Is Pogacar losing a domestique precisely in favor of Seixas?

Sivakov leaves UAE for Decathlon

The 2027 cycling transfer market is moving around one of the most important names in the high-mountain domestique role. According to L’Équipe, Decathlon CMA CGM has reached an agreement with Pavel Sivakov on a three-year contract starting on January 1, 2027. The 28-year-old Frenchman would therefore leave UAE Team Emirates XRG, where he arrived in 2024 after six seasons with Ineos, quickly becoming one of Tadej Pogacar’s most trusted lieutenants in the toughest stages of the Grand Tours.

Pavel Sivakov Decathlon 2027: the project around Seixas

The transfer would not just be an isolated market move but part of a broader long-term strengthening plan for the French team. Sivakov’s role at Decathlon would be to support Paul Seixas, the 19-year-old revelation of the season with whom he has already shared experiences in the French national team. The goal would therefore be to build a competitive Grand Tour structure around the young talent, with a rider already accustomed to working in service of a superstar.

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Jegat second addition, double blow to UAE

The Sivakov deal would be part of a wider picture that also includes the potential arrival of Jordan Jegat from TotalEnergies, a negotiation still ongoing but with a good chance of being finalized. The 26-year-old Frenchman would add further climbing strength in support of Seixas. For UAE, the cost would be double: not only would they lose Sivakov, but they would also see Decathlon further strengthen itself around the very rider the Emirati team is trying to lure away from the French squad. A clear signal that Decathlon intends to build its future around Seixas, with or without a contract renewal.

FAQ

Who is Pavel Sivakov?
A 28-year-old French rider specialized in mountain stages. He spent six seasons at Ineos before moving to UAE in 2024, where he became one of Tadej Pogacar’s most important domestiques.

When would Sivakov join Decathlon?
According to L’Équipe, the contract would start on January 1, 2027 and would last three seasons.

Why is Decathlon targeting Sivakov?
To build a strong support team around Paul Seixas for the Grand Tours, with a rider already used to working for an absolute champion.