French cyclist Paul Seixas, 19, announces that he will compete in the 2026 Tour de France. Sources report that the race begins in Barcelona, Spain, on 4 July, and that Seixas will make his first appearance in cycling’s flagship event this summer. He is described across outlets as a highly regarded French talent and a potential future contender for major stage wins. Several reports say he is likely to be the youngest rider to start the Tour in 89 years, a distinction most recently associated with a much earlier era; one outlet also notes the last comparable instance is since 1937.
The reports also highlight that Seixas has recently had a strong start to his professional career with the Decathlon-CMA CGM team, prompting discussion in France about whether exposing him to the Tour early could benefit his development or risk overburdening him since it will be his first season as a pro. Some outlets frame the decision in the context of national hopes for a French male winner since Bernard Hinault’s last win in 1985. Seixas makes the announcement via a team video.
