Nineteen-year-old French cyclist Paul Seixas will serve as the undisputed team leader for France at the upcoming UCI Road World Championships, scheduled from Sept. 20 to Sept. 27 in Montreal, Canada, according to national team selection announcements. Following a breakthrough fourth-place finish at the Tour de France in July during his debut grand tour appearance, the young climber heads a roster tailored entirely to support his ambitions on the North American course.
A Demanding Montreal Course Tailored for Climbers
The elite men’s road race, slated for Sunday, Sept. 27, features a grueling 273-kilometer route boasting 3,800 meters of vertical elevation. To shield him on the punishing circuit, the French federation has selected two of Seixas’s regular teammates from the Decathlon CMA CGM WorldTour squad: Nicolas Prodhomme and Jordan Labrosse.
Experienced Support Cast and Time Trial Assignments
The remaining spots on the French men’s road team balance veteran experience with versatile breakaway threats. Experienced WorldTour stalwarts Pavel Sivakov and Bruno Armirail join the lineup alongside Louis Barré, Valentin Paret-Peintre, and Alex Baudin. In addition to his leadership duties in the road race, Seixas will pull double-duty for the French delegation by contesting the 39.2-kilometer individual time trial on Sunday, Sept. 20. He will be joined in the race against the clock by Bruno Armirail, providing France with a dual-pronged approach in the opening days of the global championships.
French Women’s Squad Looks to Youth and Experience
In the absence of multi-discipline star Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, the French women’s team will lean on a mix of established talent and rising generations. National federation directors confirmed that the roster is anchored by Juliette Berthet and Cédrine Kerbaol, alongside 20-year-old Célia Géry. The younger contingent aims to make an immediate impact on the international stage as the championships unfold across Quebec.
What Comes Next on the Road to Montreal
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