Hinault Advises Caution for French Cycling Star Seixas

Bernard Hinault in action

Legendary cyclist Bernard Hinault urges Paul Seixas to gain experience in Giro or Vuelta before tackling Tour de France, citing the 19-year-old's promising start to the season.

“If it’s to put him in the Tour de France and then he’s burned out, I think it’s better to think about it...”

Bernard Hinault is urging young French cycling sensation Paul Seixas to take on Jonas Vingegaard in the Giro d'Italia instead of facing Tadej Pogacar in the Tour de France. The cycling legend thinks it's a better opportunity for Seixas to test himself against Vingegaard.

Seixas has had a promising start to the season with Decathlon CMA CGM team, sparking hopes in France that he could end the country's 39-year wait for a Tour de France winner since Hinault's 1985 victory. 

Hinault reckons Paul Seixas is a solid rider, but thinks it's best to ease him into things rather than throwing him into the deep end. He's suggesting Seixas should cut his teeth at either the Giro or Vuelta first, get some three-week racing experience under his belt.

“If it’s to put him in the Tour de France and then he’s burned out, I think it’s better to think about it, to say we might manage it as best as possible. At 19, if he comes up against a Pogacar and finishes 10 minutes behind, it might be better to go and test himself in another race, and if he went to the Giro d’Italia, if he found himself against Jonas Vingegaard, it would give an idea of his abilities,” says Hinault to RMC Sport.

The 2026 Giro d'Italia kicks off on May 8 in Nessebar, Bulgaria, with the first three stages taking place in the country. The race will then travel to Italy and conclude in Rome on May 31. This marks the first time Bulgaria will host the Giro d'Italia, showcasing its beautiful landscapes and hospitality.