Thomas Voeckler has confirmed that Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM Team) will lead France in the men's road race at the 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montréal.
The French national coach announced it in an interview with Le Télégramme published on Wednesday, August 26. The championships run from September 20 to 27, with the men's road race course containing 3,720 metres of climbing.
“I'm not going to create any false mystery. Yes, the leader of the French team in Montréal will be Paul Seixas,” Voeckler said.
“The French team will be at his service. In the category where he belongs, it is simply obvious. I'm not going to make things complicated by looking for a leader when I already have one.”
Why Voeckler chose Seixas
Voeckler described Seixas as France's strongest rider for hilly races, pointing to his third place at the 2025 European Championships and his performance at Liège-Bastogne-Liège this spring.
Seixas finished second at Liège after following the winning attack on La Redoute, before losing contact on the Roche-aux-Faucons and reaching the finish 45 seconds behind the winner. His ride in Liège showed that he can compete with the leading contenders on a demanding course.
He then finished fourth overall in his first Tour de France and first Grand Tour in July. Seixas attacked on the final mountain stage in an attempt to move onto the podium, but could not dislodge third-placed Isaac Del Toro and retained fourth. He became the first teenager to finish inside the Tour's top 10 since 1904.
Voeckler still questioned whether the Montréal route offers the best possible match for Seixas. “I'm not convinced it is the best course for him,” he said. “Despite that, he is our best representative.”
Asked whether Seixas could win the world title, Voeckler said the race's strength made him a legitimate contender, while conceding that he did not expect the teenager to start as the most likely winner.
“It is still a bike race, so yes, Paul Seixas can become world champion in 2026,” he said.
The remainder of the French selection will be announced on September 11. Voeckler said he already had eight riders in mind, although crashes or changes in form could alter the final squad. Seixas is currently attending a preparation camp ahead of the championships.
