PARIS – Mathieu van der Poel, the Dutch cycling star, believes France may have finally found a rider capable of winning the Tour de France in Paul Seixas, ending a drought stretching back to 1985. The comments, made to Spanish newspaper AS, highlight the growing excitement surrounding the 19-year-old French talent, who has recently impressed with strong performances in the Ardennes Classics.
Seixas recently finished second in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, holding the wheel of reigning world champion Tadej Pogačar in a pivotal moment on La Redoute. This followed his victory in the Flèche Wallonne, earning him praise from both Pogačar and now, van der Poel. The young rider’s rapid ascent has sparked hope among French cycling fans that a home victor in the Tour de France is within reach.
“It’s incredible. What we saw at Liège this week, at only 19 years old, was spectacular,” van der Poel told AS, as reported by Le Parisien. He continued, “For France, after so many years, it seems they finally have a rider capable of winning the Tour again.”
France has not celebrated a Tour de France champion since Bernard Hinault’s victory in 1985. The lengthy wait has fueled a national desire for a homegrown winner, and Seixas’ emergence has ignited that hope. The pressure on the young rider will undoubtedly be immense as he progresses in his career, but van der Poel’s endorsement adds significant weight to the growing belief in his potential.
Van der Poel, preparing for his sixth appearance in the Tour de France this summer, acknowledged the limited opportunities he’s had to directly compete against Seixas. The two riders only shared a race – the Critérium du Dauphiné in 2025 – where Seixas, still a relatively fresh professional, finished a surprising eighth immediately turning heads within the peloton.
The conversation surrounding Seixas’ potential participation in the 2026 Tour de France has already begun, with debate centering on whether it’s too early in his career for such a demanding race. Although, some argue that denying him the opportunity would be detrimental to his development. The decision ultimately rests with his team and management, weighing the potential benefits against the risks of exposing a young rider to the intense pressures of the Tour.
Whereas van der Poel is focused on his own preparations for the Tour, his comments underscore a broader shift in the dynamics of professional cycling. He and riders like Pogačar have been instrumental in ushering in an era of aggressive, long-range attacks, transforming the tactical landscape of the sport. This more dynamic style of racing, as van der Poel noted to AS, is something he hopes will define his legacy – being part of “a generation that changed cycling.”
Despite a spring classics campaign that didn’t yield the Monument victories he sought, van der Poel remains a formidable force in the sport. He has already secured eight Monument wins, including three triumphs at both the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. His ability to consistently challenge for the top spots in major races solidifies his position as one of the leading riders of his generation.
Looking ahead, van der Poel is balancing his road racing commitments with his continued passion for off-road cycling. He remains committed to Alpecin-Premier Tech through at least the end of 2028, suggesting a long-term dedication to both disciplines. His versatility and willingness to embrace different challenges are hallmarks of his career.
The focus now shifts to the upcoming Tour de France, where both van der Poel and Seixas – should he be selected – will be riders to watch. The potential for a thrilling battle between established stars and emerging talents promises to captivate cycling fans worldwide. The question remains whether Seixas can live up to the burgeoning expectations and deliver a Tour de France victory for France, ending decades of waiting.
Seixas’ next scheduled race is currently unconfirmed, but he is expected to participate in several key preparation events leading up to the Tour de France. Further updates on his racing schedule and team selection will be released by his team in the coming weeks. Fans can follow official updates on the team’s website and social media channels.
What are your thoughts on Paul Seixas’ potential? Can he truly end France’s Tour de France drought? Share your opinions in the comments below.
