Lefevere reveals that Paul Seixas could have ridden for Soudal Quick-Step

The story goes back to a meeting in Belgium, long before Seixas became widely known. Lefevere recalls the moment clearly, when the promising French rider visited the team office together with his family.

“The new French wonderkid could actually have ridden for Soudal Quick-Step,” Lefevere said. “Not that long ago he was sitting in my office in Wevelgem together with his mother. Our scout Johan Molly had pointed him out to us. Sometimes he gets it wrong, but most of the time he is right.” 

At that point Seixas was still a junior rider, and the Belgian team seriously considered bringing him into its development structure. But the negotiations quickly became complicated. The problem had little to do with sporting considerations and everything with paperwork.

“One of the issues was the legal uncertainty around his contract situation at AG2R Citroën,” Lefevere explained. “As a junior he had signed something, but at that age the signature of one of the parents is also required. That signature was missing. There was a photo showing his parents were there, but on paper the contract was not complete.” 

While the details were being sorted out, the situation shifted behind the scenes. AG2R strengthened its financial position after Decathlon joined as co sponsor. With more budget available the French team moved quickly to secure the rider.

“Eventually AG2R found a new co sponsor in Decathlon and they were able to shift two gears higher financially,” Lefevere said. “That meant our chance was gone.” 

For Lefevere the missed opportunity still stands out, especially given how highly he rates the young French climber. In his view Seixas had the profile to grow into a leading rider within the team.

“It is a pity, because Seixas would have been the perfect replacement for Remco Evenepoel.”

Instead, the rider continued his development in France, where he is now widely seen as the country’s most promising cyclist in decades. The 19-year-old made a strong start to the 2026 season, taking a stage win and finishing second overall at the Volta ao Algarve. He followed that up with an impressive victory at the Faun Ardèche Classic, where he left several established names trailing more than a minute behind.

After that victory, former Groupama-FDJ United boss Marc Madiot did not shy away from the bold prediction, speaking as the voice of a nation that has long been waiting for a new Tour winner. “I think he is the chosen one,” Madiot said. “He is the rider France expects to win the Tour.”