'I really like the cobbles': Paul Seixas reveals Classics ambitions while keeping Worlds firmly in focus

Paul Seixas has revealed that he wants to test himself on the cobbles in the future, adding another dimension to his ambitions after a remarkable breakthrough season that has already established him among cycling's elite.

The Decathlon CMA CGM rider has enjoyed extraordinary success in 2026, with victories at La Flèche Wallonne and Il Lombardia demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level in the Ardennes and the hilly Classics. But the Frenchman is also intrigued by a very different type of racing.

"I really like the cobbles," Seixas told Marca during the Tour de France Singapore Criterium.

"Even when I was racing as a junior, I enjoyed those types of races. For now, I'll stick to my current programme, but once I've gained more experience and achieved other goals, I'd like to try my luck on the cobbles."

While the likes of the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix could eventually offer new challenges, Seixas is in no rush to overhaul a racing programme that has already delivered considerable success.

His immediate ambitions remain focused elsewhere, with the 2027 World Championships in Haute-Savoie taking precedence over a potential return to the Tour de France.

Speaking to RMC Sport in October, Seixas had already identified the rainbow jersey as his main objective for next season, with the Giro d'Italia also under consideration. Speaking in Singapore, he reiterated that his Tour de France participation is far from guaranteed.

"I still don't know what I'll do next year or what programme I'll follow. Having ridden the Tour this year doesn't guarantee that I'll be there again next year," Seixas said.

"The World Championships are an absolute priority. They will take place very close to my home and where my family lives, so it's a unique opportunity that I want to prepare for as thoroughly as possible."

Alongside those ambitions, Seixas is also looking forward to developing a rivalry with Isaac del Toro, another rider expected to play a major role in cycling's future.

The pair were among the headline attractions in Singapore, where Del Toro came out on top in Sunday's criterium after attacking on the penultimate lap.

Seixas described Del Toro as "a great climber and a good guy," adding that he hoped they could "develop a beautiful rivalry and deliver great battles on the road."

Both riders have emerged as potential Grand Tour contenders, although Tadej Pogačar remains the man to beat. The Slovenian is expected to target a sixth Tour de France victory in 2027, despite suggestions that the newly unveiled route may be less favourable to him.

Seixas acknowledged the debate over the parcours but questioned how much difference it would ultimately make.

"Of course they'll try to design a route that makes it harder for Pogačar to win again," he said. "The stages are demanding and different from last year, but in the end, it's the Tour de France and it will always be hard."

As for Pogačar himself, Seixas had little hesitation in offering his assessment.

"Tadej is the best cyclist in the world and perhaps the best in history."