Tour de France is my childhood dream, says French cycling prodigy Paul Seixas

Nineteen-year-old French cyclist Paul Seixas is on the cusp of realizing a lifelong ambition as he prepares for his debut in the Tour de France. The young rider, considered France's most promising talent in a generation, will start the race on Saturday, carrying the hopes of a nation yearning for a home champion since Bernard Hinault's victory in 1985.

“

I approach this like any other race, with the maximum of seriousness and dedication. There’s obviously that little something extra because it’s the Tour, a childhood dream.

Seixas's inclusion in the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team was not guaranteed at the season's outset. However, a stellar performance in the first half of 2026, marked by seven victories including the Tour of the Basque Country and the Fleche Wallonne, made his selection undeniable. He recently finished second only to Tadej Pogacar in the Liege-Bastogne-Liege, further cementing his status as a top contender.

"I approach this like any other race, with the maximum of seriousness and dedication. There’s obviously that little something extra because it’s the Tour, a childhood dream," Seixas stated at a press conference. He acknowledged the unique dimension of the Tour, calling it a "new experience" he hopes will be a positive one. Seixas will be the youngest rider to compete in the Tour since 1937.

“

The Tour has another dimension. A new experience is beginning for me, and I hope it will be a good one.

Despite his youth and the demanding nature of the three-week race, Seixas is focused on the general classification. "The priority is to target the general classification, to live this experience, to see how it goes," he said. He expressed confidence in his ability to recover, noting, "If there are any mistakes or if it’s tough, it’ll be a learning experience for the future – that’s a positive thing." He also mentioned that his preparations were briefly disrupted by a crash last month, but he is now "on the start line in top form."

“

If there are any mistakes or if it’s tough, it’ll be a learning experience for the future – that’s a positive thing.

Two-time Tour winner Alberto Contador has been impressed by Seixas, particularly his recovery abilities. "I think he certainly has a chance of finishing on the podium," Contador commented, emphasizing that Seixas's week-to-week recovery will be key to determining his potential as a Grand Tour contender.

“

I think he certainly has a chance of finishing on the podium.