The Decathlon challenges the logic of the Tour with two debutants as leaders: this is the complete team of Decathlon CMA CGM

The Decathlon CMA CGM Team has already revealed the lineup with which it will face the Tour de France 2026, and it will do so with an unusual proposal for a team that aspires to be a protagonist both in the general classification and in the mass finishes. The French formation has entrusted leadership to two debutants in the Grande Boucle: young talent Paul Seixas and Dutch sprinter Olav Kooij.

Decathlon CMA CGM bets on a dual leadership with Paul Seixas and Olav Kooij for the Tour de France 2026

The squad directed from the car by Luke Rowe, who will also debut as a sports director in a grand tour, has set ambitious goals. The team's general manager, Dominique Serieys, explained that the intention is “to compete for the general classification and win at least one stage” during the three weeks of racing.

“We approach the Tour with ambition, but also with humility, determined to continue building on the progress made in recent seasons”, Serieys pointed out. The manager also highlighted that the roster has been designed to adapt to all racing scenarios and support both Seixas's aspirations in the general classification and Kooij's options in the sprints.

Paul Seixas will lead the French bid

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Much of the attention will be focused on Paul Seixas. The great revelation of French cycling this season will compete in his first Tour de France after overcoming the aftermath of the fall and subsequent abandonment he suffered in the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

The young rider assured that he has been able to resume his preparation for the French round almost normally and that he arrives at the Grand Départ with confidence.

“With five days to go before the start, I feel ready to give it my all during these three weeks and achieve the best possible result”, Seixas explained.

The Frenchman avoided setting a specific position in the general classification, aware that he is facing a completely new challenge for him.

“I don't set a specific goal because I'm venturing into the unknown. I've never raced in such a long and demanding event. I hope to be an important player, continue improving, and also enjoy the experience,” he stated.

His presence at the start will also have significant historical value. At 19 years, 9 months, and 10 days, Seixas will be the youngest participant in the Tour de France since 1937.

Kooij aims to debut his palmarès in the Tour

The other major asset of the team will be Olav Kooij. The Dutchman will also debut in the French race after a season marked by a viral infection that delayed the start of his campaign.

However, since his return to competition, he has quickly regained his level, adding victories in Boucles de la Mayenne and the Baloise Belgium Tour, where he even surpassed sprinters like Tim Merlier and Jasper Philipsen.

“The victories I have achieved in recent weeks since my return have given me a lot of confidence”, Kooij explained.

The sprinter made clear the French formation's objectives for the month of July: “Paul must finish as high as possible in the general classification, and I want to win at least one stage in the sprint.”

Experience to support the two debutants

Although the spotlight will be on their two young leaders, Decathlon CMA CGM will have a solid base of experienced riders to support their aspirations.

Tiesj Benoot will face his eleventh grand tour, while Aurélien Paret-Peintre, Nicolas Prodhomme, and Cees Bol will compete in the eighth of their three-week careers. The block is completed by Daan Hoole and American Matthew Riccitello, who will debut in the Tour de France.

The combination of experience and youth makes the French formation one of the most interesting teams to follow during this edition, especially due to the uncertainty that Seixas represents in his first participation and the opportunities that Kooij could find in a Tour with several finishes favorable to sprinters.

Decathlon CMA CGM Team - Tour de France 2026

1. Paul Seixas
2. Olav Kooij
3. Tiesj Benoot
4. Daan Hoole
5. Cees Bol
6. Aurélien Paret-Peintre
7. Nicolas Prodhomme
8. Matthew Riccitello