Paul Seixas: Is Cycling’s Next Big Thing Already Here?

The 2025 critérium du Dauphiné witnessed the emergence of a potential cycling superstar: Paul Seixas. At just 18 years old, Seixas stunned the cycling world with an 8th-place finish in the overall classification on Sunday, June 15th. Hailing from Lyon, France, Seixas boasts the build of a classic climber – a lean 61 kg (134 lbs) distributed over 184 cm (6’0″) – but also demonstrates a surprising aptitude for time trials. Think of him as a young Chris Froome, but with a touch more explosiveness.

In his debut professional season, this prodigious talent is already drawing rave reviews from cycling’s elite, igniting hope among french cycling fans eager for a new national hero.

A Fast Track too the Pros

Just days shy of his 18th birthday, Paul Seixas inked a professional contract with the AG2R Citroën Team last September. According to reports, he was solicited by all the best training programs. This intense interest stemmed from his impressive third-place finish at the European Road Cycling Championships in the junior category. It’s like a high school quarterback getting offers from Alabama, Georgia, and Texas before his senior year.

Far from buckling under the pressure, Seixas thrived. A mere five days after signing his frist pro contract, he clinched the title of junior time trial champion. His coach, Alexandre Pacot, noted at the time that Seixas possessed capacities certainly superior to the majority of runners of his age.

“Eighth, It’s a Dream”

On June 8th, Seixas lined up for the Critérium du Dauphiné, only his second major race. Within a week, he made his mark. On stage four, the young Frenchman secured a remarkable 10th-place finish in the time trial. Strong performances in stages six and seven propelled him to 6th place overall heading into the final day. A crash just ten kilometers from the finish, resulting in twisted handlebars, threatened to derail his efforts.

Despite the setback, Seixas dug deep. After the race, he explained that he felt sufficient in all the climbs as if it where the last. He managed to hang on, ultimately finishing eighth in the final standings. Eighth, it’s a dream, I would never have imagined that, the elated Seixas exclaimed, proud to have managed to hang super strong runners that I saw on TV.

Praised by his Peers

Seixas’s performance has earned him the respect of his fellow cyclists. Aurélien Paret-Peintre, his AG2R teammate and roommate during the race, observed, He has a different maturity from some young people. He is also different on his professionalism, his quest for the result and his ambition. We necessarily feel that it is a guy aside. It’s like a rookie in the NBA earning the respect of LeBron James in his first few games.

Even Tadej Pogačar, the reigning Critérium champion and Tour de France winner, lauded the young frenchman’s talent. Great this little one. He is also very respectful in the peloton and pilot his bike well, the Slovenian star noted. It is a big engine and if the french media does not put too much pressure on him he is promised to a great future.

The “New Bernard Hinault“?

The French media, and the public alike, are already anointing Paul Seixas as the new Bernard Hinault, a reference to the legendary five-time Tour de France champion (1978-1985). Such lofty expectations can be a burden for young cyclists. Sébastien Joly, AG2R’s sports director, cautions against such comparisons, preferring to avoid comparisons in relation to such a or a great champion of the 1980s and recommending instead to keep the cool head.

Seixas himself is aware of the hype but remains unfazed. I take advantage of the chance to be able to ride with these big names from my first year of professional. I don’t feel the pressure. I know there can be,but honestly,I don’t put it at all.

No Grand Tours This Season

Despite the excitement, Paul seixas will not be participating in the Tour de France this year, nor in the Vuelta a España later in the summer. A big tour is not 100%. Last year he was still a junior, Joly emphasized.We will go untill the end of this season, we will take stock and then we will consider the rest. This measured approach is similar to how MLB teams handle top pitching prospects,carefully managing their workload to prevent injury.

French cycling fans will have to look elsewhere for a Chouchou (favorite) to support during the Tour de France. however, othre promising French riders are emerging, notably Lenny Martinez. The 21-year-old won the final stage of the Critérium on June 15th and is undoubtedly one to watch in the upcoming Tour de France, scheduled from July 5th to 27th.

Further investigation: How will AG2R manage Seixas’s progress over the next few years? Will he focus on stage races or classics? And can he handle the pressure of being the next great French hope? These are questions American cycling fans will be eager to see answered.