There’s no racing for the rest of 2026 (apart from ‘cross) but there’s lots going on behind the scenes. One of the most talked-about cyclists–and his future team(s)–continues to make headlines. There have been rumours a-flyin’ about young phenom Paul Seixas and if squads might buy out his contract for next year, but it’s since been confirmed he will stay with the French–soon to be Swiss-based Decathlon CMA CGM.

But, the 20-year-old winner of Il Lombardia winner isn’t ready to decide where he’ll race beyond next year. But he knows damn well he needs to figure out eventually, even if it’s a pain in the derrière.

Speaking on RMC’s Super Moscato Show on Monday, the Decathlon CMA CGM rider said he hasn’t decided whether to extend his current deal or join another team. With some of the biggest teams circling like sharks, all keen to get their teeth into cycling’s next big thing, he said it can be a bit much. Plus, all the constant speculation is starting to wear on him.

Seixas and the whole contract thang

“It’s going to become more and more oppressive,” Seixas said, according to RMC. “I can’t make a decision at the last minute either.”

The WorldTour pro, who turned 20 just over a month ago, who finished his season with a victory at the last Monument of the year, is currently enjoying some time off. He isn’t about to rush into a decision just to quiet the noise.

“I’m on vacation, I’m not thinking about it too much,” he said. “I think there’ll be a moment when I get a feeling and know it’s the right decision.”

Seixas said that he deliberately avoided rushing into another contract after signing his current agreement two years ago.

🟡🇫🇷 Paul Seixas laisse planer le suspense sur sa participation au Tour de France 2027.

🗣️ “Peu importe le Grand Tour que je choisirai, j’aurai de grandes ambitions !” https://t.co/EmiHV6V21C

— Super Moscato Show (@Moscato_Show) October 26, 2026

“Throughout my young career, I’ve spent my time chasing contracts,” he said. “Whenever I had a good performance, people would tell me I needed to sign again. But when I signed my current contract, I promised myself I wouldn’t rush into signing the next one. It annoys me.”

Decathlon CMA CGM making its case

As you can imagine, the folks at Decathlon are working damn hard hard to convince Seixas that staying put is his best option. Team boss Mathieu Charpentier has told him that they will do everything he needs to keep him getting better–and winning.

Its recent recruitment drive could help. Experienced riders Ben O’Connor, Pavel Sivakov and Laurens De Plus are joining the squad. Big names like that are what he needs to be in the mix in the top races.

Seixas said he’s noticed the progress.

Miguel Indurain: Paul Seixas can win the Tour de France

“When you look at the evolution of Decathlon CMA CGM today, a year ago we weren’t talking about the same team,” he said.

“We have a better picture of what it’s becoming.”

Visma-Lease a Bike is (apparently) among the leading alternatives should Seixas leave. There’s also super-squad UAE Emirates-XRG that has been rumoured to want to sign him.

But, c’mon, with Tadej Pogačar signed through 2032 and Isaac Del Toro contracted through 2031, finding room at UAE could be complicated. And also, would he want to be there, sharing leadership roles with those two? He needs to be the guy who the team works for, all the time. There’s already enough pressure on the dude to be the first French rider to win the Tour de France in over 40 years–the last being the great Bernard Hinault.

Seixas doesn’t expect to keep everyone guessing throughout 2027, although he hasn’t set a deadline.

“There’ll come a point when I want to free myself from all this,” he said. “I’m waiting for the right moment.”

The French ace had a big year in only his second season in the big leagues. Wins at Itzulia Basque Country and Flèche Wallonne, fourth in this first Tour de France–his first Grand Tour, in fact. Plus, he ended the season off with bronze at the world TT champs and 15th in the road race, after being a big animator of it all. He also snagged second at his first go at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal. (First trip to Canada, too!)