Decathlon CMA CGM director Heinrich Haussler 'completely blown away' by 'next big talent' Paul Seixas after Itzulia Basque Country success
By Leon Imber
Published 14/04/2026 at 19:06 GMT+1
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Decathlon CMA CGM sporting director Heinrich Haussler was left "speechless" as he attempted to find the words to describe his team's teenage sensation, Paul Seixas.
Seixas reflects on 'insane week' after winning Itzulia Basque Country
Video credit: TNT Sports
The 19-year-old has created huge waves in the men's peloton, and became the youngest winner of a World Tour stage race after claiming the general classification crown at the Itzulia Basque Country - wrestling the record away from the all-conquering Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).
In just his second season as a professional, Seixas obliterated the field as he finished 2’30” and 3’40” ahead of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe duo Florian Lipowitz and Primoz Roglic respectively.
Having stormed to his first career-stage win at Volta ao Algarve in February, before a second-placed finish at Strade Bianche, behind only Pogacar, Seixas has earned a reputation as one of the sport's most exciting prospects.
And sporting director Haussler did not shy away from lauding Seixas with praise when speaking on The Cycling Show, available to watch on HBO Max.
"His mental approach, the way he rides, the way he follows the peloton, the moves in the final, for a 19-year-old, I'm completely blown away with his talent," Haussler said.
"He is the next big talent. I don't have words. I can't describe it. Like now, I'm speechless. I don't know the words to find to describe Paul.
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'Speechless' Decathlon sports director 'blown away' by 'next big talent' Seixas
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I'm really curious to see what he's capable of in the next years and this pushes the level from the whole team, because if you have a rider like that and you go to the start line, everyone knows, not just the riders but also the staff, okay we're here to win."
After an array of top-10 finishes during his debut season, Seixas is now challenging the cycling elite for silverware - and will be an overwhelming crowd favourite when it comes to making his Tour de France debut, a race which has not seen a home winner in 41 years.
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And for a team whose resources fall far from matching the likes of UAE Team Emirates and Visma-Lease a Bike at the pinnacle, having such a talented youngster as Seixas in their ranks is invaluable in levelling the playing field.
Haussler explained the challenging state of modern cycling, and how he keeps his Decathlon CMA CGM competitive in the ever-changing climate.
"It’s definitely not easy, especially the way cycling has changed in the last three to four years," he said. "You have the super teams which the big budget, the big riders, it’s very difficult to structure.
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Highlights: Seixas romps to GC triumph as August takes final stage
Video credit: TNT Sports
"But we’re on a good way at the moment, and we have to constantly be thinking how can we make our riders faster. Our clothing, our skin suits, more aerodynamic.
"You’re constantly improving. Stay one year on the same level, you’re already one step behind."
Seixas is slated to race at the 90th iteration of La Fleche Wallonne - live on TNT Sports and HBO Max - on April 22.
Watch and stream the 2026 cycling season - including the Tour de France - on TNT Sports and HBO Max
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