Contador on Seixas’ possible Tour debut - 'He should not be expected to win'

After his breakthrough performances in the Basque Country, his victory at La Flèche Wallonne and his battle with Tadej Pogačar at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Seixas has quickly become one of the most closely watched young riders in the peloton. 

In France, the excitement is obvious. The country has been searching for a successor to Bernard Hinault, its last Tour de France winner in 1985, and Seixas’ rise has given fans a new reason to believe.

Alberto Contador, winner of the Tour de France in 2007 and 2009, believes the Decathlon CMA CGM rider has the level to be there, but says the decision is not only about whether he is strong enough.

“I think he can take part,” Contador said to Eurosport. “There will be pressure, yes, but the biggest pressure is the one he puts on himself. With riders of that level, outside noise matters a little less. In the end, they are the ones who demand the most from themselves.”

According to Contador, Seixas’ ambition will naturally point him towards the Tour. 

“I’m sure he is eager to make his Tour debut,” he said. “A rider with so much quality, who feels that good, what is he going to dream of? He is going to dream of winning the best race in the world.”

Still, the Spaniard understands why Decathlon might choose a more cautious route. A debut at the Vuelta a España could offer Seixas a first Grand Tour experience with less pressure and fewer external expectations.

“For a debut, perhaps it could be more interesting to go to the Vuelta first and have a little less stress,” Contador explained. “On the other hand, he is French, and France has spent many years looking for someone who can win the Tour and excite people.”

That national context makes the decision more complicated. Seixas is not just another young rider with potential. If he lines up at the Tour, he will instantly become one of the main storylines of the race.

Contador also believes the team’s position will play a role. Seixas still has another year on his contract, which gives Decathlon more room to decide what is best for his development.

“That is where the team comes in as well,” he said. “He has one more year on his contract. If he didn’t, they would take him to the Tour 100 percent, thinking someone might take him away before he has ridden it in their colours.”

For Contador, the key is managing expectations. Even if Seixas does ride the Tour, he should not be treated as if he already has to win it.

“Personally, as a spectator, I would love to see him at the Tour,” he said. “But I would completely understand it if both he and the team choose the Vuelta a España. It is a particular situation with different interests.”

“If he ends up going to the Tour, he should not be expected to win,” he added. “At most, you could expect him to fight for the podium.”

The 43-year-old Spaniard warned that Seixas still has questions to answer in three week racing. His talent is clear, but a Grand Tour brings demands that cannot be fully measured through one-day races or week long stage races.

“In three week races, he is still an unknown, despite his great results so far,” he said. “We have to see how he recovers over three weeks. He is not yet fully developed physically. He is 19 years old.”

With the Giro d'Italia starting on May 8, it is expected that Seixas' schedule for the remainder of the season could be revealed within the next week.