Seixas loses ground due to Decathlon CMA CGM tactics on the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes stage. During the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes stage, Decathlon CMA CGM failed to maintain control. Seixas found himself in a difficult position after a major breakaway. A decisive battle on the Grand Colombier lies ahead.
Yesterday's stage of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 2026 turned into a test for Decathlon CMA CGM and their leader Paul Seixas. The French team was the only one unable to get their riders into the large breakaway of 60, immediately putting them at a disadvantage. As a result, Decathlon CMA CGM had to chase, and Seixas lost crucial time in the general classification.
The scenario unfolded against the favorite: while the team worked themselves to exhaustion, Australian Luke Tuckwell from Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe took advantage of the situation and not only helped Maxim Van Gils win the stage, but also claimed the yellow leader’s jersey himself, pulling ahead of Seixas by 3 minutes and 6 seconds. This became one of the most significant twists of the race, sharply altering the balance of power ahead of the decisive mountain stages.
Despite the team's unsuccessful tactics, Seixas proved himself the strongest climber among the contenders on the Crest-Voland ascent. He attacked from the very start of the climb, and only Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Matteo Jorgenson (Visma Lease a Bike) could hold his wheel in the opening meters. Soon even Jorgenson had to drop off the pace, while other favorites, including Juan Ayuso and Mattias Skjelmose, limited their losses to twenty seconds. However, the impact of this performance was diminished due to the breakaway's large advantage.
Today's stage between La Bridoire and Grand Colombier (133.6 km) promises to be crucial for Seixas. The route includes five categorized climbs and two passages of the Grand Colombier, with the final ascent from Virieu-le-Petit—8.4 km at an average gradient of 10.2%. This profile should give Seixas a chance to play to his strengths, provided the team can support him at the decisive moment.
Another major development was the performance of Mexican rider Isaac Del Toro, who stayed confidently on Seixas' wheel and confirmed his form, already demonstrated with victories at the UAE Tour and Tirreno-Adriatico. Other contenders, such as Jorgenson, Ayuso, and Skjelmose, looked less convincing on the first alpine finish.
After the finish, Seixas admitted that Decathlon CMA CGM will have to make the race harder over the weekend, despite fatigue and a limited roster—just six riders remain, many of whom are not mountain specialists. Nevertheless, the stage's profile favors the Frenchman, and his main attack in the general classification is expected today.
Context for fans: Grand Colombier is one of the most famous and challenging climbs in France, often the scene of decisive attacks in stage races. Interest in the 2026 edition is especially high, and the battle for the lead evokes the same tension as the recent home World Championships for Team USA— the Americans also faced pressure from expectations. In the coming hours, it will become clear whether Seixas can seize the moment and reclaim his position in the overall standings.
For reference: The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is one of the key races on the French calendar, traditionally attracting the strongest young riders in Europe. Grand Colombier is regularly included in the route due to its difficulty and its significant impact on the final pecking order.
