The cycling world is taking notice of Paul Seixas, and quickly. Just four months ago, the 19-year-old Frenchman was largely unnoticed as he exited a team van at the European Championships. This Saturday, however, the scene was dramatically different. As he stepped off the Decathlon-CMA CGM team bus, a silent crowd awaited, anticipating the performance of a rider rapidly becoming a sensation. Seixas delivered, winning the Faun-Ardèche Classic with a commanding display of power and skill, a performance that echoes the dominance of cycling legends like Tadej Pogačar and Eddy Merckx.
The victory wasn’t just about winning; it was how he won. Seixas launched a decisive acceleration 41 kilometers from the finish, leaving his rivals struggling in his wake. The win marks his second professional victory and solidifies his position as a rising star in the sport. Even as the Faun-Ardèche Classic may not be the most prestigious race on the calendar, the caliber of riders Seixas defeated is what truly resonated with observers.
A Meteoric Rise for the French Cyclist
Seixas, born September 24, 2006, in Lyon, France, has quickly ascended through the ranks of professional cycling. He currently rides for the UCI WorldTeam Decathlon CMA CGM. His early success includes winning the junior time trial at the 2024 UCI Road World Championships, a testament to his time-trialing prowess. He also achieved a remarkable 8th-place finish in the 2025 Critérium du Dauphiné at just 18 years old, becoming the youngest rider ever to crack the top ten in a UCI World Tour stage race.
His talent isn’t going unnoticed by his peers. Juan Ayuso recently lauded Seixas, stating he believes the young Frenchman has the potential to become one of the greatest cyclists of all time. This praise, coupled with his recent performances, is fueling the “Seixas-mania” sweeping through France.
Matching Pogačar’s Pace: A Stunning Display of Power
The impact of Seixas’s performance on Saturday extends beyond the race result itself. According to reports from the race, Seixas climbed the Côte de Saint Romain de Lerps (6.9 km at a 7.2% gradient) in exactly 16 minutes and 28 seconds – the same time achieved by Tadej Pogačar during the 2025 European Championships. This remarkable feat underscores the sheer power and efficiency of the young Frenchman. He was also 35 seconds faster on the same climb than he was at the Euro Champs, demonstrating significant improvement.
For context, Pogačar is widely considered one of the best cyclists in the world, known for his exceptional climbing ability and aggressive racing style. To match his time on such a challenging climb is a significant achievement for a rider of Seixas’s age and experience. It’s a benchmark that speaks volumes about his potential.
From Junior Success to Professional Dominance
Seixas’s journey to this point has been marked by consistent success. Before joining Decathlon-CMA CGM, he honed his skills with VC Villefranche Beaujolais (2021-2023) and AG2R Citroën U19 Team (2023-2024). His junior career was highlighted by victories in the 2023 Tour du Pays d’Olliergues (mountains, and young rider classifications), the Trofeo Guido Dorigo, and the Giro della Lunigiana (points, and mountains classifications). He also secured multiple medals at the European and World Junior Championships, including gold in the 2024 UCI World Junior Championships time trial and the 2025 European Championships mixed team relay.
His selection for both the World and European Championships alongside established French riders like Valentin Paret-Peintre, Pavel Sivakov, and Julien Bernard, highlights the faith Thomas Voeckler, the French national team selector, has in his potential. Voeckler clearly sees Seixas as a key component of France’s future cycling success.
What’s Next for Paul Seixas?
Seixas’s recent performances have undoubtedly raised expectations for the remainder of the season. He is scheduled to compete in the upcoming European Championships, offering another opportunity to showcase his talent on a larger stage. The challenging course in Drôme-Ardèche, with over 3,300 meters of elevation gain, will likely favor riders with strong climbing abilities, playing to Seixas’s strengths. He will be competing against some of the biggest names in cycling, including Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard.
The cycling world will be watching closely to see if Paul Seixas can continue his remarkable ascent and establish himself as a dominant force in the sport. His combination of raw talent, dedication, and tactical intelligence suggests that he has the potential to achieve great things. The “Seixas-mania” is just beginning, and fans are eager to see what the future holds for this exciting young rider.
