Decathlon-CMA CGM lose Van Kerckhove as Seixas risk grows

Decathlon-CMA CGM have lost Seff Van Kerckhove, the Belgian rider viewed as their leading young prospect, to Visma-Lease a Bike. The departure removes a potential long-term leader from the French structure and adds to uncertainty around Paul Seixas, whose future with the team is not yet settled.

Van Kerckhove, who turns 19 next March, has won 10 races this season for Decathlon-CMA CGM’s under-19 team. Regarded as one of the strongest riders in the 2008 generation alongside Spain’s Benjamin Noval, he had been expected to move into the team’s development squad in 2027 before reaching the main WorldTour group in 2028. Instead, he will join Visma-Lease a Bike’s Continental team before progressing to its WorldTour organisation. His older brother Matisse, two years his senior, is already with the Dutch team.

The change makes Seixas’ situation more significant for Decathlon-CMA CGM. The Frenchman from Lyon is contracted through 2027, but securing an extension is a major priority for the structure led by Dominique Serieys. Seixas has attracted interest from several teams, with Visma-Lease a Bike considered the strongest possible challenger. Decathlon-CMA CGM remain confident of keeping him, but Van Kerckhove’s move gives the Dutch organisation another highly rated young French-linked prospect and leaves the French team facing a key decision over its future.