The European cycling landscape is abuzz with potential team shifts, particularly concerning young talent and established riders seeking new horizons. While speculation has heavily focused on the potential move of rising star Paul Seixas, with prominent figures like Patrick Lefevere publicly advising him against joining UAE Team Emirates-XRG, a more concrete, albeit surprising, transfer is reportedly in the works.
According to reports from L’Equipe, the highly regarded French rider Pavel Sivakov is set to depart UAE Team Emirates for the Decathlon team. This move, slated to be a three-year contract commencing in 2027, is being interpreted as a strategic play by Decathlon. The team appears to be assembling a strong roster to entice Seixas, whose contract also concludes in 2027. This development comes at a critical juncture, as both UAE Team Emirates and reportedly Ineos Grenadiers are actively pursuing the 19-year-old French sensation.
Pavel Sivakov’s career has been marked by a fascinating evolution. He burst onto the scene as a prodigious talent in 2017, securing victories in prestigious under-23 races such as the Giro d’Italia, the Ronde de l’Isard, and the Giro della Valle d’Aosta. More recently, his role has transitioned, and as of 2024, he has been a crucial super domestique for Tadej Pogačar at UAE Team Emirates. Despite this support role, Sivakov has expressed his continued ambition. In late 2025, he shared his desire to find a “good balance, avoid the mistakes and so be there all year and perform,” indicating a drive for personal success alongside team objectives.
Interestingly, Sivakov and Paul Seixas share a connection. Both riders were teammates on the French national squad at the UEC Road European Championships and the UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda last year. During the latter event, Seixas showcased his potential by finishing 13th, leading the French contingent. This shared experience could foster a collaborative spirit if they were to find themselves on the same team.
Decathlon’s Recruitment Drive: Targeting French Talent
The reported signing of Sivakov is not the only indicator of Decathlon’s aggressive recruitment strategy. The French WorldTour squad is also reportedly setting its sights on another member of that Rwandan French team: Jordan Jegat. Jegat’s current contract with TotalEnergies expires this year, making him an attractive prospect for Decathlon. His impressive tenth-place finish in the 2025 Tour de France further bolsters his profile, particularly as a valuable mountain domestique who could provide crucial support for a rider like Seixas.
L’Equipe’s reporting suggests that discussions with Jegat are progressing favorably and are moving in the “right direction.” The potential acquisition of a 26-year-old rider with proven Grand Tour experience like Jegat would significantly strengthen Decathlon’s climbing capabilities and overall support structure.
The Strategic Significance of the Sivakov Signing
The move of Pavel Sivakov to Decathlon, while seemingly a personal career choice, carries broader implications for the transfer market and team strategies. By securing a rider of Sivakov’s caliber and experience, Decathlon is signaling its intent to build a competitive team capable of challenging at the highest level. The timing of this announcement, particularly with Seixas’s contract situation, suggests a deliberate attempt to influence his decision. Decathlon appears to be demonstrating that they are not only capable of attracting established talent but are also laying the groundwork for a future built around promising young riders.
This strategic approach could reshape the dynamics of team building in the coming years. As teams vie for the signatures of the next generation of cycling stars, the ability to offer a compelling vision, a strong supporting cast, and a clear pathway to success will become increasingly paramount. The Sivakov-to-Decathlon transfer, therefore, is more than just a rider moving teams; it represents a calculated maneuver in the ongoing chess match of professional cycling recruitment.
