At just 19 years old, Paul Seixas continues to amaze the 2026 Tour de France. Stage after stage, the Decathlon-CMA CGM talent is confirming he is one of the greatest revelations of the race and, just days away from the finish in Paris, he remains fully in contention for a podium spot in the general classification.

After the eighteenth stage, the young Frenchman holds fourth place overall, 7'11" behind yellow jersey wearer Tadej Pogacar, but most importantly just 20 seconds behind third place held by Isaac Del Toro. A minimal gap that leaves all scenarios open heading into the decisive Alpine stages with the double passage over Alpe d'Huez.

For Seixas, however, the primary objective of the day was different: to reach the finish line without wasting unnecessary energy. The Frenchman crossed the stage line in 16th place within the group of top contenders, avoiding getting caught up in the skirmishes between the general classification leaders and managing his strength ahead of the weekend.

"The main objective was to save energy - he explained at the end of the stage -. With the fatigue of the third week, I believe it's fundamental to ration your energy. Yesterday we raced well, we stayed together for a long time and Daan Hoole was truly impressive. I think it was a day that tested everyone's legs hard, but the main objective was precisely to save energy. The next two stages will be very tough and crucial for the general classification of the Tour, at least for the podium. I'm happy to have had a quiet day".

Words that tell the entire maturity with which the class of 2007 rider is approaching his first Tour de France. Despite being the youngest rider in the race, Seixas is demonstrating a surprising ability to manage effort, without letting himself be swept away by enthusiasm or the pressure of racing in front of his home crowd.

Awaiting him now are the two most anticipated days of the entire Grande Boucle, with Alpe d'Huez destined to write the final chapters of the general classification. A legendary climb that the young Frenchman will face with respect, but without fear.

"It's certainly incredible, but I mainly hope I don't crash on the climb because I think there will be so many spectators and we've seen it can be rather dangerous. I just hope everything goes well. After that, it will be my legs that decide".

Seixas also looks optimistically at his physical condition. After nearly three weeks of racing, the Frenchman continues to feel strong, a fundamental aspect in a race that is often decided by the ability to recover in the final days. "I feel decidedly good. For being in the third week, it's a good result. I think it will go well. We'll see".

Meanwhile, the young Frenchman is also carefully observing what's happening at UAE Team Emirates-XRG. After the physical problems suffered by Adam Yates and the withdrawal of Brandon McNulty, some questions about the condition of the yellow jersey team are inevitable.

"I think some riders from their team are a bit unwell, and it's certainly a shame for them. We'll see how it goes tomorrow and how the other riders are feeling, but I hope Pogacar and Del Toro aren't sick. That's not how we want to race. I think tomorrow will be a physically tough race for everyone though".

Seixas prefers that the battle for the podium be decided solely on the road. His objective is clear: to continue surprising and try to achieve a result that, just a few weeks ago, seemed unthinkable.

In France, meanwhile, enthusiasm is growing around the Lyon native. At just 19 years old, he is already the symbol of the new generation of French cycling and many point to him as the rider destined, in the coming years, to bring a Frenchman back to the top step of a Grand Tour. First, however, he must complete his first Tour de France and chase a podium that today is just twenty seconds away.