Contador refuses to rule out Seixas winning the 2026 Tour de France

Speaking to Eurosport ahead of the Grand Départ in Barcelona, Alberto Contador acknowledged Paul Seixas’ rapid rise and the fact that he is set to become the youngest starter of the Tour in 89 years, making him one of the most intriguing riders on the start list in recent editions.

Seixas has raced Tadej Pogačar twice this season, at Strade Bianche and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, finishing second behind the world champion on each occasion. Meanwhile, the Decathlon rider has yet to face off against recent Giro winner Jonas Vingegaard this campaign.

While Contador believes Pogačar and Vingegaard deserve to lead the list of contenders based on their previous exploits at the race and current form heading into July, the Spaniard refused to rule out Seixas entirely. 

"Look, I think there are riders who have earned their status, like Tadej Pogačar, who has won four, or Vingegaard himself, who has won two, who are theoretically ahead of him as favourites, given that he is something of an unknown quantity,” Contador told Eurosport.

“But to say it’s impossible for Paul Seixas to win the Tour? I’m sorry, I wouldn’t dare say that," added Contador.

Contador also dismissed suggestions that the weight of French expectations could negatively affect the young rider.

"I think it will actually serve as extra motivation. The pressure a champion places on themselves is infinitely greater than the pressure coming from the outside, from newspapers, the public, fans, or television,” said Contador. 

“The pressure you put on yourself, driven by ambition and the desire to win, is always far greater than any external pressure.”

Despite refusing to rule Seixas out, Contador had previously urged caution when it comes to expectations. Speaking to Eurosport in May, he said the 19-year-old “should not be expected to win” and that “at most, you could expect him to fight for the podium.”

Pogačar and Vingegaard have occupied the top two spots on the Tour podium since 2021, and remain favourites to do so in 2026, in the eyes of Contador, but Seixas’ debut adds an exciting element and could offer a glimpse of what is to follow in the years to come.