The Seixas phenomenon makes his MTB debut: 66th at the Roc d’Azur CIC, won by Sarrou and Maxwell

The Roc d'Azur CIC 2026 had two major protagonists. Paul Seixas has been the center of attention for fans just hours after winning Il Lombardia, while Jordan Sarrou has once again demonstrated his dominance in one of the most iconic MTB events in France. In the women's category, Samara Maxwell took the victory.

Seixas finishes 66th in a Roc d'Azur that has been a mass gathering for the young French star

Paul Seixas' presence at the Roc d'Azur has been one of the major events of the weekend. After winning Il Lombardia and unexpectedly announcing that he would also compete in the MTB race, the Frenchman found himself with a completely devoted audience excited to see their new star on a mountain bike.

And although the sporting result was the least important, Seixas showed some signs of his enormous form. On the less technical climbs, he was able to impose his power, but the Roc d'Azur course, with demanding descents and some particularly technical sections, forced him to change his approach.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RECOMENDADO

Seixas switches to MTB a day after winning Il Lombardia

Pogačar has an heir at Il Lombardia: 20-year-old Seixas wins as Enric Mas surprises in second

Cole Punchard also signs with Decathlon and completes a true dream team for 2027

The 32-inch Van Rysel RCR-XC is now a reality: it will be Decathlon Ford’s new bike, with Luca Martin riding it in 2027

The peloton brings Il Lombardia to a standstill for five minutes and issues a safety ultimatum

A post shared by Roc d'Azur CIC (@rocdazur)

In the descents, he was much more conservative, avoiding unnecessary risks just a day after achieving the most important victory of his career. This difference compared to the MTB specialists ultimately kept him away from the front positions, finishing in 66th place.

Jordan Sarrou achieves his sixth victory and Samara Maxwell dominates among women

While Seixas captured much of the attention, the battle for the men's victory was resolved in a very close finish. Jordan Sarrou has achieved his sixth triumph at the Roc d'Azur, extending his record of victories in the event.

The Frenchman crossed the finish line with the same time as Canadian Cole Punchard, who finished second. An especially interesting result for the young rider, who this week confirmed his signing with the Decathlon Ford Racing Team for 2027.

In the women's category, Samara Maxwell met expectations. The New Zealander from Decathlon Ford won with a time of 2:42:44, finishing almost two minutes ahead of Frenchwoman Léna Gérault. Swiss Ramona Forchini completed the podium.

The new 32-inch Van Rysel bikes will have to wait

Another major focus of attention was on the bikes. After the new 32-inch Van Rysel RCR-XC was presented this week, there was a possibility that the Roc d'Azur would become its first official appearance in competition.

However, it did not turn out that way. Both Seixas and the other official Decathlon riders competed with the current Rockrider Race 940S, the model that the French structure has used throughout this season and of which we recently saw a special edition to celebrate Decathlon's 50th anniversary.

We will have to keep waiting to see the new generation of 32-inch MTBs that Van Rysel aims to make a significant leap in the World Cup in 2027.

Roc d'Azur CIC 2026 Results – Elite Men

1. Jordan Sarrou – 2:18:26
2. Cole Punchard – 2:18:26
3. Østen Brovold Midtsundstad – 2:18:32
4. Jakob Dorigoni – 2:18:33
5. Davide Foccoli – 2:18:34

Paul Seixas: 66th

Roc d'Azur CIC 2026 Results – Elite Women

1. Samara Maxwell – 2:42:44
2. Léna Gérault – 2:44:38
3. Ramona Forchini – 2:45:19
4. Claudia Peretti – 2:46:59
5. Giorgia Marchet – 2:47:45