Decathlon Fights To Keep Paul Seixas As Cycling’s Giants Close In

Paul Seixas has barely finished his first Tour de France, but the next battle surrounding the 19-year-old is already being fought away from the road. After taking fourth overall on his Grand Tour debut, the French rider has become one of the most coveted talents in professional cycling, and Decathlon CMA CGM now faces the task of securing his future beyond 2027.

Seixas remains under contract with the French team through the end of next season. Decathlon therefore does not need to make an immediate decision, but his performance in July has increased both his sporting profile and his market value. The team plans to begin formal talks between mid-August and early September, once the rider has completed a two-week period of rest.

Interest from rival teams has been widely reported, with several of the wealthiest WorldTour projects linked to the Frenchman. However, no transfer or agreement for 2028 has been officially confirmed. Some of the figures and alleged offers circulating around the peloton have also been denied, so the situation should still be viewed as an open negotiation rather than a completed move.

Decathlon believes its strongest argument is the project already built around Seixas. The teenager progressed through the organisation’s development system and received full leadership at the Tour despite his age. His fourth place, achieved behind Tadej Pogačar, Remco Evenepoel and Isaac del Toro, demonstrated that the team can already support him deep into a three-week race.

The French squad also intends to strengthen its roster for 2027 and announce several new signings in September. The objective is clear: surround Seixas with more experienced support for the mountains and convince him that he can eventually challenge for the Tour without changing teams.

Seixas, meanwhile, has avoided rushing his decision. His current contract gives him time, while his breakthrough Tour has placed him in a powerful negotiating position. Decathlon helped develop France’s brightest stage-racing prospect; its next challenge is ensuring that the project does not lose him just as he begins to compete with the world’s best.