Jonas Vingegaard Advises Young Cyclist Paul Seixas to Wait Before Tackling Tour de France

At just 19 years old, French cyclist Paul Seixas is emerging as a major talent with ambitions to compete in and eventually win the Tour de France, following in the footsteps of Bernard Hinault, the last French winner in 1985. However, two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard has offered Seixas a cautious perspective. Speaking at the Andorra Cycling Masters, Vingegaard advised the young rising star to be patient and wait until he's fully prepared before entering the high-pressure environment of the Tour de France. Vingegaard acknowledged Seixas' impressive performances this year, including winning the Tour de l’Avenir and securing a bronze medal at the European Championships, but stressed that the immense expectations could be overwhelming for someone so young.

Seixas has yet to commit to participating in the 2026 Tour de France, with decisions still pending within his team. Meanwhile, for the 2024 season, he plans to compete in one of the three Grand Tours — Giro, Tour, or Vuelta — though he is aware the Tour de France carries far more media scrutiny and pressure than the others. His notable performances this season also include a seventh-place finish at the Tour of Lombardy, marking him as a significant next-generation talent in French cycling. While his dream remains to become Tour de France champion, the advice from Vingegaard underscores the importance of timing and readiness in the fiercely competitive cycling world. By balancing ambition with patience, Seixas aims to build a lasting legacy in the sport.