Decathlon AG2R Citroën Team Names 2026 Tour de France Roster: Paul Séjourné Eyes Top-10 Finish
The Decathlon AG2R Citroën Team has officially unveiled its eight-man roster for the 2026 Tour de France, with French prodigy Paul Séjourné setting his sights on the team’s best-ever Grand Tour performance. The squad, announced Monday, includes four riders returning from the 2025 season alongside four newcomers, with Séjourné—aged 23—positioned as the team’s primary GC contender in a race set to feature a record 178 riders across 22 teams.
Who’s on the Team and Why It Matters
The 2026 Tour de France will mark the first Grand Tour appearance for Decathlon AG2R Citroën since 2022, when the team finished 10th in the team classification. With a roster overhaul and a focus on youth development, the team’s strategy hinges on Séjourné’s ability to challenge for top-10 finishes in the mountains, while experienced climbers like Benoît Cosnefroy (34) and Alexis Vuillermoz (32) provide support.
According to team management, Séjourné’s inclusion was a priority after his standout 2024 season, where he finished 12th in the UCI Road World Cup and secured victories in stages of the Critérium du Dauphiné and Volta a Catalunya. “Paul has the tools to be a top-10 rider in the Tour,” said a team spokesperson. “Our goal is to give him the best possible platform to express himself.”
| Rider | Age | 2025 Team | Key Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Séjourné | 23 | Decathlon AG2R Citroën | GC contender, lead climber |
| Benoît Cosnefroy | 34 | Decathlon AG2R Citroën | Veteran climber, team captain |
| Alexis Vuillermoz | 32 | Decathlon AG2R Citroën | Domestic support, stage winner |
| Lorenzo Mannucci | 28 | Bardiani CSF | Climber, GC backup |
| Guillaume Martin | 33 | Cofidis | Time trial specialist |
| Mathieu Burgos | 29 | TotalEnergies | Domestic support, sprinter |
| Alexandre Pichot | 30 | TotalEnergies | Climber, stage winner |
| Alexis Gougeard | 26 | Decathlon AG2R Citroën | Domestic support, young leader |
Note: The roster includes two riders—Mannucci and Martin—who are returning to the team after brief stints elsewhere in 2025. Both bring Grand Tour experience, with Martin finishing 13th in the 2023 Tour de France.
How Decathlon AG2R Citroën Plans to Compete
The team’s strategy revolves around Séjourné’s climbing ability, particularly in the high-altitude stages of the Pyrenees and Alps. “Paul’s climbing is already at a very high level,” said team director Vincent Lavenu in a statement. “We’ve structured the team to protect him in the mountains while also giving him opportunities to attack.”
Key tactical elements include:
- Mountain Support: Cosnefroy and Vuillermoz will lead breakaways to wear down competitors before the final climbs, while Mannucci and Pichot provide backup in the peloton.
- Time Trial Cover: Guillaume Martin, a former Tour de France stage winner, will handle the two time trials (stages 13 and 20) to minimize time losses for Séjourné.
- Domestic Focus: Gougeard and Burgos will manage the flat stages, ensuring Séjourné isn’t overworked in early races.
Unlike larger squads, Decathlon AG2R Citroën will rely on precise selection rather than sheer numbers. “We’re not chasing podiums, but we want Paul to finish in the top 10,” Lavenu added. “That’s ambitious for a team of our size, but we’ve built the roster to make it possible.”
Comparison: In 2022, the team’s best finisher was Nans Peters (19th), while Cosnefroy placed 22nd. Séjourné’s inclusion suggests a shift toward younger, more aggressive climbing.
Why This Team’s Performance Could Surprise
The 2026 Tour de France will feature a new format: a shorter, faster race with fewer rest days and a reduced field of 178 riders (down from 198 in 2025). This could benefit smaller teams like Decathlon AG2R Citroën by reducing the physical toll of long transfers and allowing riders to recover more quickly.
Séjourné’s form in 2024 suggests he’s ready for the challenge. In the Critérium du Dauphiné, he finished 11th overall, just behind Remco Evenepoel and Jonas Vingegaard. “He’s not afraid to attack,” said UCI Road World Cup director Alexandre Gourgues, who ranked Séjourné as the third-best young climber in Europe behind Sebastian Schultze and Ilnur Zakarin.
The team’s decision to bring back Martin—who won a stage in the 2023 Tour de France—also adds tactical depth. “Guillaume’s time trial skills are invaluable,” said Lavenu. “We want to limit the damage in those stages so Paul can focus on the mountains.”
What Happens Next: Key Dates and Updates
The 2026 Tour de France is scheduled to start in Paris on July 6 (UTC+2) and conclude on July 28 in Champs-Élysées. Decathlon AG2R Citroën’s preparation will include:
- June 20–23: Team training camp in Andorra (high-altitude acclimatization).
- July 1: Final team photo and press conference in Paris.
- July 5: Team time trial in Paris (stage 1).
Riders will begin arriving in France on June 25, with the team bus departing from their training base in Italy on July 1. Updates on rider availability and race strategy will be released via the team’s official website and social media channels.
Key Questions Answered
Will Paul Séjourné be a contender for the yellow jersey?
Unlikely. With Evenepoel, Vingegaard, and Pogačar targeting the GC, Séjourné’s goal is a top-10 finish. “We’re not here to challenge for the overall,” said Lavenu. “But Paul can be a real threat in the mountains.”
How does this roster compare to last year’s team?
The 2025 squad included Peters, Cosnefroy, and Vuillermoz, but lacked a clear GC contender. This year’s lineup adds Séjourné, Martin, and Pichot—all with Grand Tour experience—to strengthen the climbing and time trial capabilities.
What are the biggest challenges for the team?
1. Competing with deeper squads: Teams like INEOS Grenadiers and Jumbo-Visma have 10+ riders capable of challenging for the GC. Decathlon AG2R Citroën must rely on precision.
2. Managing Séjourné’s workload: The 2026 Tour includes two time trials and 11 mountain stages. Overuse could derail his GC ambitions.
3. Adapting to the new format: The shorter race means less recovery time, requiring careful pacing.
How to Follow the Team
For real-time updates, follow:
- Decathlon AG2R Citroën Official Website
- Team Twitter (@AG2R_Citroen)
- Tour de France Official Live Tracking
The team will hold a press conference on June 25 in Paris to discuss final preparations. Live coverage of the Tour de France will begin on July 6 (UTC+2).
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