{"id":2024401,"date":"2026-07-02T12:00:59","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T09:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2024401"},"modified":"2026-07-02T12:00:59","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T09:00:59","slug":"tadej-who-paul-seixas-mania-is-gripping-the-home-nation-ahead-of-the-tour-de-france-and-the-19-year-old-is-fully-embracing-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2024401","title":{"rendered":"Tadej who? Paul Seixas mania is gripping the home nation ahead of the Tour de France, and the 19-year-old is fully embracing it"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-2001-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Write off Jonas Vingegaard at your peril, but there is one thing that could let him down at this Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2mu99cSc9cQb8sSAxSoJR-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;Tadej keeps on surprising us&#8217; \u2013 The inside view on how UAE Team Emirates-XRG have constructed Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s assault on a fifth Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nDecathlon CMA CGM\n<\/li>\n<li>\nPaul Seixas\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tadej who? Paul Seixas mania is gripping the home nation ahead of the Tour de France, and the 19-year-old is fully embracing it<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-02T12:00:59Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Decathlon CMA CGM leader says he is great shape, dismissing worries after his recent crash<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Paul Seixas: &#8216;This pressure, which is actually quite positive, is something I put on myself enough. I don&#8217;t take on other people&#8217;s pressure; it&#8217;s my own.&#8217;<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-45b5b246-bc48-4d83-80ce-9d79f670c89f\">Tadej who? As the days count down to the start of the Tour de France, the home nation does not seem to care about Tadej Poga\u010dar dominating the sport and possibly winning the Tour for a historic fifth time. Instead, Paul Seixas-mania is in full flow, the hype train travelling like a TGV between Barcelona and Paris.<\/p>\n<p>The 19-year-old super talent is on the cover of Thursday&#8217;s <em>L&#8217;Equipe<\/em> sports newspaper and all over their website and social media, with a three-page interview and a special documentary video.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-45b5b246-bc48-4d83-80ce-9d79f670c89f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Swiss newspaper <em>Les Temps<\/em> compared Seixas to footballer Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 and NBA basketball player Victor Wembanyama, part of a generation of French sports stars that are inspiring a nation and used by French president Emmanuel Macron for a sports-power political play.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em>Paris Match<\/em> magazine has reportedly tried to interview Seixas&#8217; mother at the gates of the school where she teaches, biographies on the 19-year-old are already being written, and publishers are trying to buy every photograph of when Seixas won races as a schoolboy.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Everyone would love to have Seixas&#8217; possible mobile number, but he prefers to spend time with friends on Snapchat rather than talk to his team management on WhatsApp.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I will not take risks for something other than the GC&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas all-in for the big goal against Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Tour de France debut<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ujTYCPp8CaKwzLCjbpaVr9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ujTYCPp8CaKwzLCjbpaVr9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;If Paul Seixas isn&#8217;t ready for the Tour de France, then who is?\u2019 \u2013 Oliver Naesen backs\u00a019-year-old teammate for debut this summer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Daniel Benson recently reported on his <em>Substack<\/em> that Pinarello-Q36.5 are ready to make him the highest-paid rider in the sport when his contract with Decathlon CMA CGM ends in 2027. Other sources are convinced he will join UAE Team Emirates-XRG as Poga\u010dar&#8217;s heir, while Decathlon and CMA CGM are determined to hold on to him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas travelled to Barcelona on Tuesday and enjoyed his first training ride with his Decathlon teammates on Wednesday. The <em>L&#8217;Equipe<\/em> interview was done as Seixas travelled to the airport to fly to Spain. Every moment of his life for the next three weeks will be controlled and scheduled around the pain and intensity of racing his first-ever Tour de France.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-uNeRjNDLSBKaCc93pQqNGf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-uNeRjNDLSBKaCc93pQqNGf slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yet Seixas seems unperturbed and still in control of his life, unsure of what the next three weeks will bring and how fighting for victory at the Tour could change his life. For every probing question from <em>L&#8217;Equipe<\/em>, Seixas has a simple, sincere answer that reflects his natural confidence and pragmatic approach to life and racing the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I wouldn&#8217;t say my life changed that much. I don&#8217;t even know if I&#8217;d say it changed at all,&#8221; Seixas said of the impact of his decision to ride the Tour at just 19.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This pressure, which is actually quite positive, is something I put on myself enough. I don&#8217;t take on other people&#8217;s pressure; it&#8217;s my own. I&#8217;m often quite ambitious, I have my own ideas about what I want to do and how I want to do it, and that&#8217;s pressure enough as it is.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Paul Seixas is going to enter into Tour de France legend&#8217; \u2013 Race director Christian Prudhomme joins excitement for French prodigy&#8217;s debut <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iMVxWc5g8ZrBztRT3xKpqV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iMVxWc5g8ZrBztRT3xKpqV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">43,000m of elevation gain in two weeks \u2013 How super talent Paul Seixas is ramping up his training ahead of highly anticipated Tour de France debut<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rf5innLa8KyMfXzz8VGFSk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rf5innLa8KyMfXzz8VGFSk-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I have something to tell you\u2026&#8217; Paul Seixas confirms he will ride the 2026 Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df895aeb-1bff-4072-b323-632d67103a32\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Seixas has been the subject of a media frenzy in France as he prepares for his Tour debut <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-74d593ab-9dc7-407a-b053-52a8f7241b82\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas will be the youngest rider to debut at the Tour since 1937 and is more than two years younger than any other rider in the race. Yet he is dismissive of the hyperbole, the statistics and the expectations.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me, it&#8217;s simply a childhood dream come true. I&#8217;m incredibly happy to be going to the Tour,&#8221; Seixas said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I keep telling myself that I have to enjoy it, even though it&#8217;s a very tough, very difficult race. It will be a good experience. I&#8217;m coming with the idea that it remains a childhood dream and that I have to make the most of it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Being so young, Seixas&#8217; first memory of the Tour is from 2013 when Chris Froome and Nairo Quintana raced up Mont Ventoux, and 2014, when Jean-Christophe P\u00e9raud and Thibaut Pinot finished second and third behind Vincenzo Nibali.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;My best friend, Cyprien, and I, when we were younger, talked a lot about the Tour, saying how amazing it must be to ride it,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Now I&#8217;m the one who&#8217;s going to start this race. It&#8217;s an incredible opportunity, I really understand that. I&#8217;m super motivated and happy to be able to fulfil this childhood dream.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve only just realised, in the last few days, that it&#8217;s really going to happen, that I&#8217;m really going to be at the starting line. It&#8217;s incredible!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas is aware that the French public will cheer for him as he takes on Tadej Poga\u010dar, just as they are cheering on the French football team in the FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas shrugs off the pressure but seems to want to pay back their French fans for their support. He has the natural confidence in his ability that Pinot and other recent French riders lacked. He really does seem the best French talent since the last men&#8217;s French Tour winner, Bernard Hinault.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I have to find a balance between thrilling the crowds and managing my own effort. But at some point, I&#8217;ll have to give it my all. I hope to excite the fans and, above all, perform well for myself,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I know the Tour is very important to my grandparents, but I also know it&#8217;s very important to all French people. They want to see the best riders from their country at the start of this race, and I think I&#8217;m one of them today. I hope to thrill the French this summer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">French cycling fans held their breath when Seixas crashed hard at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes in mid-June, fearing his Tour chances had ended before they started. He suffered nasty road rash on his arm and hurt his knee but was able to train in the Alps in recent weeks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When I crashed, I immediately saw that the wounds were superficial, so I didn\u2019t think beyond the crash. I was more worried about my knee. But an MRI scan quickly reassured me; there was just significant swelling, nothing broken,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Rest assured, everything is fine, I&#8217;m really in great shape. I feel very good.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Decathlon delayed naming their final Tour squad and eventually opted to include sprinter Olav Kooij, who has recovered from an early-season virus. His presence will help ease the pressure on Seixas&#8217; wide but young shoulders, but he remains ambitious, no doubt targeting the GC without saying it specifically.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The fact that Olav is here and that there&#8217;s a small sprint contingent on the team gives me an interesting dual objective; it also takes some of the pressure off,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Olav is a good guy. He&#8217;s also motivated by the general classification project and will help me when he can, when it&#8217;s convenient for him, in addition to his sprints. It&#8217;s complementary.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The goal is to achieve the best possible overall result, to learn, to see where I stand as the days go by. And above all, to see how I feel over three weeks.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-uNeRjNDLSBKaCc93pQqNGf\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-uNeRjNDLSBKaCc93pQqNGf slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I will not take risks for something other than the GC&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas all-in for the big goal against Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ujTYCPp8CaKwzLCjbpaVr9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ujTYCPp8CaKwzLCjbpaVr9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ujTYCPp8CaKwzLCjbpaVr9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ujTYCPp8CaKwzLCjbpaVr9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ujTYCPp8CaKwzLCjbpaVr9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If Paul Seixas isn&#8217;t ready for the Tour de France, then who is?\u2019 \u2013 Oliver Naesen backs\u00a019-year-old teammate for debut this summer<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Paul Seixas is going to enter into Tour de France legend&#8217; \u2013 Race director Christian Prudhomme joins excitement for French prodigy&#8217;s debut <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iMVxWc5g8ZrBztRT3xKpqV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iMVxWc5g8ZrBztRT3xKpqV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iMVxWc5g8ZrBztRT3xKpqV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iMVxWc5g8ZrBztRT3xKpqV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iMVxWc5g8ZrBztRT3xKpqV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">43,000m of elevation gain in two weeks \u2013 How super talent Paul Seixas is ramping up his training ahead of highly anticipated Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rf5innLa8KyMfXzz8VGFSk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rf5innLa8KyMfXzz8VGFSk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rf5innLa8KyMfXzz8VGFSk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rf5innLa8KyMfXzz8VGFSk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rf5innLa8KyMfXzz8VGFSk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have something to tell you\u2026&#8217; Paul Seixas confirms he will ride the 2026 Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It wasn&#8217;t really enjoyable to do what we did every year&#8217; \u2013 Rejuvenated by a new approach, is this the most dangerous Jonas Vingegaard yet at the Tour de France?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New national champion jerseys, switch-out kits on display in Barcelona&#8217;s splashy Tour de France team presentation<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I will not take risks for something other than the GC&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas all-in for the big goal against Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Aussies on Tour \u2013 The 11 riders from Australia lining up for the Tour de France 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If we have to take a step back, we will&#8217; &#8211; Despite imminent Tour de France Grand D\u00e9part on home soil, long-established Spanish ProTeam risks folding at end of 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It absolutely is a game-changer&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s performance coach reveals more about his preparation, training tools and motivators ahead of the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It wasn&#8217;t really enjoyable to do what we did every year&#8217; \u2013 Rejuvenated by a new approach, is this the most dangerous Jonas Vingegaard yet at the Tour de France?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I think we&#8217;re ready&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar names teammate Isaac del Toro as a possible Tour de France winner<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I know where you want to go&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel tersely shoots down suggestions of a Tour de France rivalry with Florian Lipowitz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I will not take risks for something other than the GC&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas all-in for the big goal against Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve never really had a fight&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen unite again to hunt Tour de France stages<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Black jerseys in a heatwave \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike defend Tour de France kit after tests on sweating mannequins<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF.png\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Aussies on Tour \u2013 The 11 riders from Australia lining up for the Tour de France 2026<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It wasn&#8217;t really enjoyable to do what we did every year&#8217; \u2013 Rejuvenated by a new approach, is this the most dangerous Jonas Vingegaard yet at the Tour de France?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome announces retirement from pro cycling<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">New national champion jerseys, switch-out kits on display in Barcelona&#8217;s splashy Tour de France team presentation<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I think we&#8217;re ready&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar names teammate Isaac del Toro as a possible Tour de France winner<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nDecathlon CMA CGM\n<\/li>\n<li>\nPaul Seixas\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tadej who? Paul Seixas mania is gripping the home nation ahead of the Tour de France, and the 19-year-old is fully embracing it<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-02T12:00:59Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Decathlon CMA CGM leader says he is great shape, dismissing worries after his recent crash<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Paul Seixas: &#8216;This pressure, which is actually quite positive, is something I put on myself enough. I don&#8217;t take on other people&#8217;s pressure; it&#8217;s my own.&#8217;<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-45b5b246-bc48-4d83-80ce-9d79f670c89f\">Tadej who? As the days count down to the start of the Tour de France, the home nation does not seem to care about Tadej Poga\u010dar dominating the sport and possibly winning the Tour for a historic fifth time. Instead, Paul Seixas-mania is in full flow, the hype train travelling like a TGV between Barcelona and Paris.<\/p>\n<p>The 19-year-old super talent is on the cover of Thursday&#8217;s <em>L&#8217;Equipe<\/em> sports newspaper and all over their website and social media, with a three-page interview and a special documentary video.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-45b5b246-bc48-4d83-80ce-9d79f670c89f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Swiss newspaper <em>Les Temps<\/em> compared Seixas to footballer Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 and NBA basketball player Victor Wembanyama, part of a generation of French sports stars that are inspiring a nation and used by French president Emmanuel Macron for a sports-power political play.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em>Paris Match<\/em> magazine has reportedly tried to interview Seixas&#8217; mother at the gates of the school where she teaches, biographies on the 19-year-old are already being written, and publishers are trying to buy every photograph of when Seixas won races as a schoolboy.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Everyone would love to have Seixas&#8217; possible mobile number, but he prefers to spend time with friends on Snapchat rather than talk to his team management on WhatsApp.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I will not take risks for something other than the GC&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas all-in for the big goal against Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Tour de France debut<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ujTYCPp8CaKwzLCjbpaVr9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ujTYCPp8CaKwzLCjbpaVr9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;If Paul Seixas isn&#8217;t ready for the Tour de France, then who is?\u2019 \u2013 Oliver Naesen backs\u00a019-year-old teammate for debut this summer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Daniel Benson recently reported on his <em>Substack<\/em> that Pinarello-Q36.5 are ready to make him the highest-paid rider in the sport when his contract with Decathlon CMA CGM ends in 2027. Other sources are convinced he will join UAE Team Emirates-XRG as Poga\u010dar&#8217;s heir, while Decathlon and CMA CGM are determined to hold on to him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas travelled to Barcelona on Tuesday and enjoyed his first training ride with his Decathlon teammates on Wednesday. The <em>L&#8217;Equipe<\/em> interview was done as Seixas travelled to the airport to fly to Spain. Every moment of his life for the next three weeks will be controlled and scheduled around the pain and intensity of racing his first-ever Tour de France.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-uNeRjNDLSBKaCc93pQqNGf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-uNeRjNDLSBKaCc93pQqNGf slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yet Seixas seems unperturbed and still in control of his life, unsure of what the next three weeks will bring and how fighting for victory at the Tour could change his life. For every probing question from <em>L&#8217;Equipe<\/em>, Seixas has a simple, sincere answer that reflects his natural confidence and pragmatic approach to life and racing the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I wouldn&#8217;t say my life changed that much. I don&#8217;t even know if I&#8217;d say it changed at all,&#8221; Seixas said of the impact of his decision to ride the Tour at just 19.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This pressure, which is actually quite positive, is something I put on myself enough. I don&#8217;t take on other people&#8217;s pressure; it&#8217;s my own. I&#8217;m often quite ambitious, I have my own ideas about what I want to do and how I want to do it, and that&#8217;s pressure enough as it is.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Paul Seixas is going to enter into Tour de France legend&#8217; \u2013 Race director Christian Prudhomme joins excitement for French prodigy&#8217;s debut <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iMVxWc5g8ZrBztRT3xKpqV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iMVxWc5g8ZrBztRT3xKpqV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">43,000m of elevation gain in two weeks \u2013 How super talent Paul Seixas is ramping up his training ahead of highly anticipated Tour de France debut<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rf5innLa8KyMfXzz8VGFSk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rf5innLa8KyMfXzz8VGFSk-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I have something to tell you\u2026&#8217; Paul Seixas confirms he will ride the 2026 Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df895aeb-1bff-4072-b323-632d67103a32\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Seixas has been the subject of a media frenzy in France as he prepares for his Tour debut <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-74d593ab-9dc7-407a-b053-52a8f7241b82\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas will be the youngest rider to debut at the Tour since 1937 and is more than two years younger than any other rider in the race. Yet he is dismissive of the hyperbole, the statistics and the expectations.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me, it&#8217;s simply a childhood dream come true. I&#8217;m incredibly happy to be going to the Tour,&#8221; Seixas said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I keep telling myself that I have to enjoy it, even though it&#8217;s a very tough, very difficult race. It will be a good experience. I&#8217;m coming with the idea that it remains a childhood dream and that I have to make the most of it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Being so young, Seixas&#8217; first memory of the Tour is from 2013 when Chris Froome and Nairo Quintana raced up Mont Ventoux, and 2014, when Jean-Christophe P\u00e9raud and Thibaut Pinot finished second and third behind Vincenzo Nibali.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;My best friend, Cyprien, and I, when we were younger, talked a lot about the Tour, saying how amazing it must be to ride it,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Now I&#8217;m the one who&#8217;s going to start this race. It&#8217;s an incredible opportunity, I really understand that. I&#8217;m super motivated and happy to be able to fulfil this childhood dream.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve only just realised, in the last few days, that it&#8217;s really going to happen, that I&#8217;m really going to be at the starting line. It&#8217;s incredible!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas is aware that the French public will cheer for him as he takes on Tadej Poga\u010dar, just as they are cheering on the French football team in the FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas shrugs off the pressure but seems to want to pay back their French fans for their support. He has the natural confidence in his ability that Pinot and other recent French riders lacked. He really does seem the best French talent since the last men&#8217;s French Tour winner, Bernard Hinault.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I have to find a balance between thrilling the crowds and managing my own effort. But at some point, I&#8217;ll have to give it my all. I hope to excite the fans and, above all, perform well for myself,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I know the Tour is very important to my grandparents, but I also know it&#8217;s very important to all French people. They want to see the best riders from their country at the start of this race, and I think I&#8217;m one of them today. I hope to thrill the French this summer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">French cycling fans held their breath when Seixas crashed hard at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes in mid-June, fearing his Tour chances had ended before they started. He suffered nasty road rash on his arm and hurt his knee but was able to train in the Alps in recent weeks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When I crashed, I immediately saw that the wounds were superficial, so I didn\u2019t think beyond the crash. I was more worried about my knee. But an MRI scan quickly reassured me; there was just significant swelling, nothing broken,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Rest assured, everything is fine, I&#8217;m really in great shape. I feel very good.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Decathlon delayed naming their final Tour squad and eventually opted to include sprinter Olav Kooij, who has recovered from an early-season virus. His presence will help ease the pressure on Seixas&#8217; wide but young shoulders, but he remains ambitious, no doubt targeting the GC without saying it specifically.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The fact that Olav is here and that there&#8217;s a small sprint contingent on the team gives me an interesting dual objective; it also takes some of the pressure off,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Olav is a good guy. He&#8217;s also motivated by the general classification project and will help me when he can, when it&#8217;s convenient for him, in addition to his sprints. It&#8217;s complementary.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The goal is to achieve the best possible overall result, to learn, to see where I stand as the days go by. And above all, to see how I feel over three weeks.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-uNeRjNDLSBKaCc93pQqNGf\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-uNeRjNDLSBKaCc93pQqNGf slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I will not take risks for something other than the GC&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas all-in for the big goal against Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ujTYCPp8CaKwzLCjbpaVr9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ujTYCPp8CaKwzLCjbpaVr9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ujTYCPp8CaKwzLCjbpaVr9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ujTYCPp8CaKwzLCjbpaVr9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ujTYCPp8CaKwzLCjbpaVr9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If Paul Seixas isn&#8217;t ready for the Tour de France, then who is?\u2019 \u2013 Oliver Naesen backs\u00a019-year-old teammate for debut this summer<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Paul Seixas is going to enter into Tour de France legend&#8217; \u2013 Race director Christian Prudhomme joins excitement for French prodigy&#8217;s debut <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iMVxWc5g8ZrBztRT3xKpqV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iMVxWc5g8ZrBztRT3xKpqV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iMVxWc5g8ZrBztRT3xKpqV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iMVxWc5g8ZrBztRT3xKpqV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iMVxWc5g8ZrBztRT3xKpqV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">43,000m of elevation gain in two weeks \u2013 How super talent Paul Seixas is ramping up his training ahead of highly anticipated Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rf5innLa8KyMfXzz8VGFSk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rf5innLa8KyMfXzz8VGFSk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rf5innLa8KyMfXzz8VGFSk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rf5innLa8KyMfXzz8VGFSk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rf5innLa8KyMfXzz8VGFSk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have something to tell you\u2026&#8217; Paul Seixas confirms he will ride the 2026 Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It wasn&#8217;t really enjoyable to do what we did every year&#8217; \u2013 Rejuvenated by a new approach, is this the most dangerous Jonas Vingegaard yet at the Tour de France?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qCYPANHHB5mQBitVjVuWiG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New national champion jerseys, switch-out kits on display in Barcelona&#8217;s splashy Tour de France team presentation<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I will not take risks for something other than the GC&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas all-in for the big goal against Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Aussies on Tour \u2013 The 11 riders from Australia lining up for the Tour de France 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b5QvCtPG95Un75CCNwGZ7S-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If we have to take a step back, we will&#8217; &#8211; Despite imminent Tour de France Grand D\u00e9part on home soil, long-established Spanish ProTeam risks folding at end of 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CR37rojAgVRbGjSjLkmE7G-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It absolutely is a game-changer&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s performance coach reveals more about his preparation, training tools and motivators ahead of the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/chjahNGrM7cCmAm6KN6czk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It wasn&#8217;t really enjoyable to do what we did every year&#8217; \u2013 Rejuvenated by a new approach, is this the most dangerous Jonas Vingegaard yet at the Tour de France?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bXSDPnw6gVtg5BEAzPMwaa-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I think we&#8217;re ready&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar names teammate Isaac del Toro as a possible Tour de France winner<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sAhMoW5AvyqmQorZDrtqV4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I know where you want to go&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel tersely shoots down suggestions of a Tour de France rivalry with Florian Lipowitz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I will not take risks for something other than the GC&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas all-in for the big goal against Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Tour de France debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aKqhbj6iZ7snSxFMJJpDLP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve never really had a fight&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen unite again to hunt Tour de France stages<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4ZGduU5n4XBrptcmrs7v9W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Black jerseys in a heatwave \u2013 Visma-Lease a Bike defend Tour de France kit after tests on sweating mannequins<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF.png\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EeMC5xdbm8kJHhaRgS22sF.png\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Aussies on Tour \u2013 The 11 riders from Australia lining up for the Tour de France 2026<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It wasn&#8217;t really enjoyable to do what we did every year&#8217; \u2013 Rejuvenated by a new approach, is this the most dangerous Jonas Vingegaard yet at the Tour de France?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome announces retirement from pro cycling<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">New national champion jerseys, switch-out kits on display in Barcelona&#8217;s splashy Tour de France team presentation<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I think we&#8217;re ready&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar names teammate Isaac del Toro as a possible Tour de France winner<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nDecathlon CMA CGM\n<\/li>\n<li>\nPaul Seixas\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tadej who? Paul Seixas mania is gripping the home nation ahead of the Tour de France, and the 19-year-old is fully embracing it<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-02T12:00:59Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n2 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Decathlon CMA CGM leader says he is great shape, dismissing worries after his recent crash<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-45b5b246-bc48-4d83-80ce-9d79f670c89f\">Tadej who? As the days count down to the start of the Tour de France, the home nation does not seem to care about Tadej Poga\u010dar dominating the sport and possibly winning the Tour for a historic fifth time. Instead, Paul Seixas-mania is in full flow, the hype train travelling like a TGV between Barcelona and Paris.<\/p>\n<p>The 19-year-old super talent is on the cover of Thursday&#8217;s <em>L&#8217;Equipe<\/em> sports newspaper and all over their website and social media, with a three-page interview and a special documentary video.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-45b5b246-bc48-4d83-80ce-9d79f670c89f-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Swiss newspaper <em>Les Temps<\/em> compared Seixas to footballer Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 and NBA basketball player Victor Wembanyama, part of a generation of French sports stars that are inspiring a nation and used by French president Emmanuel Macron for a sports-power political play.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em>Paris Match<\/em> magazine has reportedly tried to interview Seixas&#8217; mother at the gates of the school where she teaches, biographies on the 19-year-old are already being written, and publishers are trying to buy every photograph of when Seixas won races as a schoolboy.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Everyone would love to have Seixas&#8217; possible mobile number, but he prefers to spend time with friends on Snapchat rather than talk to his team management on WhatsApp.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JB6BwRHd9cxUxPy8S6u4wW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I will not take risks for something other than the GC&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas all-in for the big goal against Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Tour de France debut<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZUAMZD46zkzVezaUdvFAsZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I would have liked them to be there&#8217; \u2013 Paul Seixas disappointed by absence of Poga\u010dar and Vingegaard at Dauphin\u00e9, his Tour de France &#8216;rehearsal&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ujTYCPp8CaKwzLCjbpaVr9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ujTYCPp8CaKwzLCjbpaVr9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;If Paul Seixas isn&#8217;t ready for the Tour de France, then who is?\u2019 \u2013 Oliver Naesen backs\u00a019-year-old teammate for debut this summer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Daniel Benson recently reported on his <em>Substack<\/em> that Pinarello-Q36.5 are ready to make him the highest-paid rider in the sport when his contract with Decathlon CMA CGM ends in 2027. Other sources are convinced he will join UAE Team Emirates-XRG as Poga\u010dar&#8217;s heir, while Decathlon and CMA CGM are determined to hold on to him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas travelled to Barcelona on Tuesday and enjoyed his first training ride with his Decathlon teammates on Wednesday. The <em>L&#8217;Equipe<\/em> interview was done as Seixas travelled to the airport to fly to Spain. Every moment of his life for the next three weeks will be controlled and scheduled around the pain and intensity of racing his first-ever Tour de France.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-uNeRjNDLSBKaCc93pQqNGf\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-uNeRjNDLSBKaCc93pQqNGf slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yet Seixas seems unperturbed and still in control of his life, unsure of what the next three weeks will bring and how fighting for victory at the Tour could change his life. For every probing question from <em>L&#8217;Equipe<\/em>, Seixas has a simple, sincere answer that reflects his natural confidence and pragmatic approach to life and racing the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I wouldn&#8217;t say my life changed that much. I don&#8217;t even know if I&#8217;d say it changed at all,&#8221; Seixas said of the impact of his decision to ride the Tour at just 19.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This pressure, which is actually quite positive, is something I put on myself enough. I don&#8217;t take on other people&#8217;s pressure; it&#8217;s my own. I&#8217;m often quite ambitious, I have my own ideas about what I want to do and how I want to do it, and that&#8217;s pressure enough as it is.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Paul Seixas is going to enter into Tour de France legend&#8217; \u2013 Race director Christian Prudhomme joins excitement for French prodigy&#8217;s debut <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iMVxWc5g8ZrBztRT3xKpqV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iMVxWc5g8ZrBztRT3xKpqV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">43,000m of elevation gain in two weeks \u2013 How super talent Paul Seixas is ramping up his training ahead of highly anticipated Tour de France debut<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rf5innLa8KyMfXzz8VGFSk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rf5innLa8KyMfXzz8VGFSk-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I have something to tell you\u2026&#8217; Paul Seixas confirms he will ride the 2026 Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-df895aeb-1bff-4072-b323-632d67103a32\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yTB6yDKJD2dXAhPsCbSw8g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Seixas has been the subject of a media frenzy in France as he prepares for his Tour debut <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-74d593ab-9dc7-407a-b053-52a8f7241b82\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas will be the youngest rider to debut at the Tour since 1937 and is more than two years younger than any other rider in the race. Yet he is dismissive of the hyperbole, the statistics and the expectations.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;For me, it&#8217;s simply a childhood dream come true. I&#8217;m incredibly happy to be going to the Tour,&#8221; Seixas said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I keep telling myself that I have to enjoy it, even though it&#8217;s a very tough, very difficult race. It will be a good experience. I&#8217;m coming with the idea that it remains a childhood dream and that I have to make the most of it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Being so young, Seixas&#8217; first memory of the Tour is from 2013 when Chris Froome and Nairo Quintana raced up Mont Ventoux, and 2014, when Jean-Christophe P\u00e9raud and Thibaut Pinot finished second and third behind Vincenzo Nibali.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;My best friend, Cyprien, and I, when we were younger, talked a lot about the Tour, saying how amazing it must be to ride it,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Now I&#8217;m the one who&#8217;s going to start this race. It&#8217;s an incredible opportunity, I really understand that. I&#8217;m super motivated and happy to be able to fulfil this childhood dream.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve only just realised, in the last few days, that it&#8217;s really going to happen, that I&#8217;m really going to be at the starting line. It&#8217;s incredible!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas is aware that the French public will cheer for him as he takes on Tadej Poga\u010dar, just as they are cheering on the French football team in the FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas shrugs off the pressure but seems to want to pay back their French fans for their support. He has the natural confidence in his ability that Pinot and other recent French riders lacked. He really does seem the best French talent since the last men&#8217;s French Tour winner, Bernard Hinault.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I have to find a balance between thrilling the crowds and managing my own effort. But at some point, I&#8217;ll have to give it my all. I hope to excite the fans and, above all, perform well for myself,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I know the Tour is very important to my grandparents, but I also know it&#8217;s very important to all French people. They want to see the best riders from their country at the start of this race, and I think I&#8217;m one of them today. I hope to thrill the French this summer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">French cycling fans held their breath when Seixas crashed hard at the Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes in mid-June, fearing his Tour chances had ended before they started. He suffered nasty road rash on his arm and hurt his knee but was able to train in the Alps in recent weeks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;When I crashed, I immediately saw that the wounds were superficial, so I didn\u2019t think beyond the crash. I was more worried about my knee. But an MRI scan quickly reassured me; there was just significant swelling, nothing broken,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Rest assured, everything is fine, I&#8217;m really in great shape. I feel very good.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Decathlon delayed naming their final Tour squad and eventually opted to include sprinter Olav Kooij, who has recovered from an early-season virus. His presence will help ease the pressure on Seixas&#8217; wide but young shoulders, but he remains ambitious, no doubt targeting the GC without saying it specifically.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The fact that Olav is here and that there&#8217;s a small sprint contingent on the team gives me an interesting dual objective; it also takes some of the pressure off,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Olav is a good guy. He&#8217;s also motivated by the general classification project and will help me when he can, when it&#8217;s convenient for him, in addition to his sprints. It&#8217;s complementary.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The goal is to achieve the best possible overall result, to learn, to see where I stand as the days go by. And above all, to see how I feel over three weeks.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/i-hope-to-thrill-the-french-this-summer-paul-seixas-embraces-the-hype-around-his-tour-de-france-ambitions\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ye9EETeBWqGfGuYcyVdECg-2001-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list 2 Write off Jonas Vingegaard at your peril, but there is one thing that could let him down at this Tour de France 3 &#8216;Tadej keeps on surprising us&#8217; \u2013 The inside view on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2024401","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2024401","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2024401"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2024401\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2024401"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2024401"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2024401"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}