Paul Seixas is reportedly the subject of a €13 million per season offer from Pinarello-Q36.5, according to reporting by Daniel Benson on his Cycling Substack. If completed, the deal would make the 19-year-old Frenchman the highest-paid rider in the peloton, surpassing the estimated €8 million to €10 million earned by Tadej Pogačar.
Why is Pinarello-Q36.5 pursuing Paul Seixas?
Pinarello-Q36.5 views Seixas as a generational talent capable of challenging the current dominance of Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard in the Tour de France. The team possesses the financial capital to execute such a deal, as it is backed by billionaire Ivan Glasenberg. This aggressive recruitment strategy follows the team’s signing of Tom Pidcock for the 2025 season and the addition of nearly a dozen riders for 2026 ahead of its Tour de France debut.
While Seixas has not yet started a Tour de France or won a grand tour, his trajectory has made him the primary target for the peloton’s wealthiest squads. According to Benson, Seixas’ agent confirmed the interest from Pinarello-Q36.5, although team officials declined to comment when contacted by Velo.
How does the reported offer compare to current cycling salaries?
The reported €13 million figure represents a significant escalation in the professional cycling market. For comparison, the current salary ceiling is held by Tadej Pogačar of UAE Emirates-XRG, whose base salary is estimated between €8 million and €10 million per season.
- Paul Seixas (Reported Offer): €13 million per season
- Tadej Pogačar (Estimated): €8 million – €10 million per season
This gap indicates a shift in how teams value youth and potential over established Grand Tour results.
What is the status of Seixas’s current contract?
Seixas is currently under contract with Decathlon-CMA CGM through the end of 2027. Because the reported interest from Pinarello-Q36.5 concerns the period after his current deal expires, any move would not be immediate.
Sources told Velo that Decathlon-CMA CGM is working to retain the rider and is currently attempting to “sweeten” its offer to extend his stay beyond 2027. The French team considers Seixas the “jewel of its system” and is expected to fight to prevent his departure.
Which other teams are linked to the French rider?
Beyond Pinarello-Q36.5, several of the world’s richest cycling teams have been linked to Seixas. Daniel Benson and other media have identified the following teams as potential suitors:
- UAE Emirates-XRG
- Visma-Lease a Bike
- Lidl-Trek
- Netcompany-Ineos
The competition among these teams suggests that the market value for elite young climbers is rising sharply, potentially creating a new financial tier within the professional peloton.
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