Pauline Ferrand-Prevot urges Paul Seixas to “take advantage of his current form” as Maillot Jaune expectations grow in France

Pauline Ferrand-Prevot believes Paul Seixas should seize the moment while his form is at its peak, as the 19-year-old’s rapid rise continues to fuel growing expectations that he could become the rider to end France’s long wait for a Tour de France winner.

Speaking in comments reported by AFP, the reigning Tour de France Femmes champion encouraged Seixas to embrace the opportunity in front of him rather than hesitate over his next step. “Whether Paul rides the Tour if he wants to, he should enjoy it and, above all, keep his carefree approach,” she said. “He should take advantage of his current form.”

The discussion around Seixas’ potential Tour de France debut has intensified following his victory at La Flèche Wallonne, where he proved the strongest on the Mur de Huy to secure one of the biggest wins of his young career.

Already with multiple victories this season, including overall success at Itzulia Basque Country, the Frenchman has quickly moved from emerging talent to central figure in the sport’s biggest conversations. A decision on whether he will start the Tour is expected after Liège-Bastogne-Liège this weekend, but the debate around that choice has already taken on national significance.

Ferrand-Prevot’s comments carry added weight given her own recent history. In 2025, she became the first French rider in decades to win a Tour de France, claiming the Tour de France Femmes title at her first attempt and ending a long wait for a home winner in yellow.

That perspective informs her advice to Seixas, particularly when it comes to timing in a career that can move quickly. “Given the form he has, I think he should make the most of it, enjoy himself and above all never forget to keep enjoying it,” she added. “A career goes by quickly.”

Central to Ferrand-Prevot’s view is the importance of maintaining the freedom that has defined Seixas’ riding so far. “The carefree nature of youth is something you have to keep as long as possible,” she said. “These are riders who enjoy being on the bike, and I think that’s something you really have to hold on to.”

She pointed to Tadej Pogacar as a reference point, suggesting that the same mindset has helped sustain success at the very highest level. “You can see it a bit with Tadej as well. I think that’s why he’s able to stay at the top level for so long.”

Underlying the debate is the weight of history. France has not had a men’s Tour de France winner since 1985, a drought that remains one of the most enduring storylines in the sport.

In that context, Seixas’ emergence has inevitably been framed through a broader national lens, with each performance adding to the sense that he could be the rider to finally end that wait.

For now, the focus remains on the immediate challenge, with Liège-Bastogne-Liège set to provide the next test of his form. But after a standout 2026 campaign, highlighted most recently by his display at Flèche Wallonne, and with voices like Ferrand-Prevot urging him forward, the conversation around Seixas has already moved far beyond promise and into expectation.