Seixas Could Become World's Highest Paid Cyclist, Even Pogačar Would Envy His Salary

Nineteen-year-old French cycling talent Paul Seixas has become a major focus of the professional cycling market even before his debut at the Tour de France. Reports suggest that the Pinarello-Q36.5 team is prepared to offer the young rider what could be the largest contract in the history of professional cycling.

The Swiss-based team, backed by billionaire Ivan Glasenberg, has reportedly contacted Seixas's representatives, a move confirmed by his agent. While Seixas's current contract with Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale extends to the end of 2027, no official agreements have been made, and he has not indicated a decision about his future. However, unofficial information points to Pinarello-Q36.5 considering an annual salary of approximately 13 million euros. This figure would place Seixas significantly ahead of current top earners, including Slovenia's Tadej Pogačar, whose base salary is estimated around 10 million euros.

Seixas has already demonstrated his potential with victories this season at the Faun Ardèche Classic, Tour of the Basque Country, and La Flèche Wallonne, alongside strong second-place finishes in the Strade Bianche and Liège–Bastogne–Liège. French cycling enthusiasts already view him as a potential successor to Bernard Hinault, the last French winner of the Tour de France in 1985. Seixas is scheduled to make his Tour de France debut on July 4th in Barcelona, having recovered from a crash in the Tour of the Alps-Rhône Alpes and resumed road training.