The new Paul Seixa's Van Rysel is already competing: surprise debut before the Tour de France

What just a few days ago seemed like a simple stealth appearance during a high-altitude training camp is now a reality in competition. The mysterious Van Rysel seen under Paul Seixas in Sierra Nevada has officially debuted in a race during the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 2026, ahead of the schedule many expected for its premiere.

The new Van Rysel that surprised in Sierra Nevada is already competing: official debut ahead of schedule

When the first images appeared on social media, it seemed that the new bike from the French brand was being tested in preparation for the Tour de France. However, Decathlon CMA CGM has decided to take a step further and put it directly into competition in the main preparatory race before the Grande Boucle.

Paul Seixas himself has been one of the first to debut this new model on an inaugural day where he was seen among the favorites alongside names like Juan Ayuso, Isaac del Toro, and Kévin Vauquelin.

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This new Van Rysel is easily identifiable in the peloton because it currently does not display the team's colors, and its aesthetic is completely black except for the white logo.

As we explained, at first glance, the frame seems to combine elements from the two bikes that currently make up Van Rysel's competition range.

The rear area and part of the main triangle resemble the current RCR Pro, the most balanced and lightweight model from the French brand. However, the front part shows much more aggressive shapes, with deeper profiles and integration clearly inspired by the RCR-F, the aero bike that Van Rysel introduced to the professional peloton in 2025.

The result is a bike that fits perfectly with the current WorldTour trend towards "aerolight" models, capable of combining competitive weight with ever-increasing aerodynamic efficiency.

Currently, Van Rysel divides its competition offerings between the RCR Pro, aimed at versatility and low weight, and the RCR-F, designed specifically to maximize aerodynamics.

The appearance of this new frame opens the door to several possibilities. It could be a third model intended to sit between the two bikes or even the replacement of one of them within the product strategy of the French brand.

For now, there is no official confirmation, and no new technical details have emerged since those first images captured in Sierra Nevada.

What seems clear is that the project is already in a very advanced phase. Going from high-altitude training to competing in a top-level race just a few weeks later is usually a clear sign that the main development of the frame is practically complete.

For now, Van Rysel remains silent. But the bike is no longer a prototype hidden in Sierra Nevada. It is now racing in competition, and all signs point to it being one of the major technical innovations to follow closely in the coming weeks.