Paul Seixas' success highlights emerging French cyclists

At 20 years old, Paul Seixas already represents French cycling on the international stage, but many other young talents remain largely unknown to the public. Among them are several riders with clear potential, some of whom are on the verge of making their mark in professional cycling.

Soen Le Pann's injury and potential

Soen Le Pann, 17, is a climber who has been sidelined since August due to a knee injury. Despite this, he was one of the most consistent junior riders in the 2026 season, with his worst finish being 17th at Paris-Roubaix. He also achieved an impressive record with ten victories in six months.

Le Pann's notable achievement

Under the Decathlon CMA CGM team, Le Pann won Aubel-Thimister-Stavelot, a multi-stage race in Belgium that had not been won by a French rider since 2014. If his injury resolves, he could rise to prominence in professional cycling within three years.

Simon Defrance's championship pedigree

Simon Defrance, 18, is a classicman with the potential to become a champion. Trained by the Soudal Quick-Step team in Belgium, he has already won the French national championship and finished second at the world championships. His versatility allows him to excel in time trials, climbs, and sprints.

Defrance's Flemish success

Defrance has shown particular strength in the Flemish mountains, winning both Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne and Nokere Koerse at the start of the 2026 season. He will continue his development with the UAE Team Emirates junior team in 2027.

Aubin Sparfel's junior success

Aubin Sparfel, 20, is a puncheur who has already made a name for himself in junior racing. He won the Tour of Brittany, a stage of the Giro Next Gen, and the Tour of the Future. His victory in the Lotto Grand Prix de Wallonie at the end of the season has drawn attention from professional teams.

Sparfel's WorldTour debut

Sparfel will make his WorldTour debut in 2027 after completing all his junior categories with the Decathlon CMA CGM team. His ability to perform in cyclo-cross suggests he may have a strong foundation for success in road racing.

Victor Devos' rapid rise

Victor Devos, 17, is a classicman who has already distinguished himself in junior racing. Despite being a first-year junior in 2026, he secured his first UCI victory at the Keizer der Juniores. Trained by the Soudal Quick-Step team, he excels in grueling Flemish courses.

Devos' cyclo-cross background

Like Seixas, Devos has a strong affinity for cyclo-cross and has shown significant ambition. If his development continues at the same pace, he could make a big impact in the U19 category in 2027.

Maxime Vezie's under-the-radar progress

Maxime Vezie, 20, is a puncheur who has remained outside the spotlight of top WorldTour teams. Trained by the VC Pays de Loudéac club, he has steadily climbed the rankings with notable finishes at the Tour of Brittany and Paris-Camembert.

Vezie's future goals

Vezie also made his mark in more demanding races, finishing 15th in the Tour of Luxembourg and 20th in Paris-Tours. In 2027, he will aim for victories before joining the Cofidis team in 2028.