PARIS — Pavel Sivakov will leave Tadej Pogačar's UAE Team Emirates-XRG to join Paul Seixas' Decathlon CMA CGM on a three-year deal through 2029, the French team confirmed on Tuesday. The 29-year-old Frenchman has spent three seasons as a key domestique for Pogačar, forming part of the support cast for Tour de France victories in 2024 and 2025 and linking up with the Slovenian at this year's Vuelta a España until his early exit.
Decathlon CMA CGM, who have moved their company base to Switzerland in a bid to free up room on the wage bill as they attempt to keep hold of 20-year-old super-talent Seixas beyond the expiry of his current deal at the end of next season, announced Sivakov alongside fellow arrivals Ben O'Connor and Laurens De Plus. "An experienced rider, Pavel joins our project through 2029," read a statement from the team. "A key addition who will put his expertise and top-level experience at the team’s service."
Sivakov was one of the most prolific talents at U23 level but has largely moved into a domestique role at professional level, even more so after leaving Ineos following his first six pro seasons to join UAE. He still owns four stage race titles and two Grand Tour top-10 finishes, and has combined loyal support work with personal results including overall victory at last year's Ruta del Sol, ninth place at the 2024 Vuelta a España and a podium at the recent Veneto Classic won by world champion teammate Brandon McNulty.
The Frenchman paid tribute to his time at UAE in a social media statement. "Closing a chapter of my life and career," Sivakov said. "In the heat of the moment, it’s always hard to realise and appreciate the value of what we’ve achieved. As athletes, we’re constantly focused on our next goals, always looking ahead and moving forward. Now, taking a step back and looking through some photos, I’m realising just how many incredible moments I’ve been part of over the last three seasons. I already feel nostalgic, knowing that these will certainly be some of the best memories of my career." He added: "I’m extremely proud and grateful to have been part of UAE over the past three years, contributing to some historic performances, but most importantly, being part of an amazing group of people. A group where everyone played a role in each success, supported one another through the difficult moments, and always managed to stay positive." The switch sees Sivakov move from supporting Pogačar, who has set his targets for 2027, to helping Decathlon build around Seixas.