Sivakov bids farewell to Pogačar: from 2027, he will be Seixas's top domestique at the Decathlon CMA CGM.

A super domestique is changing jerseys and the transfer market is heating up. Pavel Sivakov will leave Tadej Pogačar's UAE Team Emirates-XRG to spend the next three seasons at Decathlon CMA CGM , the team of the young phenomenon Paul Seixas . The official announcement came on Tuesday: the 29-year-old Frenchman will wear the new jersey starting in 2027 and will remain until 2029.

In three seasons at the Emirates, Sivakov was a valuable ally for Pogačar, an integral part of the team that accompanied the Slovenian to triumphs at the 2024 and 2025 Tour de France. This year he also supported him at the Vuelta a España , until the Slovenian champion's early exit from the race.

Now, however, a new chapter begins for Sivakov. Decathlon CMA CGM wants to build a solid base around the 20-year-old Seixas, a pure talent, and his arrival fits precisely into this strategy. The Frenchman's hiring follows those of Ben O'Connor and Laurens De Plus : the team, which has moved its headquarters to Switzerland to reduce its salary bill, is determined to convince Seixas to stay beyond the expiration of his current contract, set at the end of next season.

"An experienced rider, Pavel joins our project until 2029," the team said in a statement. "A key addition who will put his expertise and high-level experience to good use for the team."

Sivakov was one of the brightest talents among the Under-23s, but he didn't have the same impact as a professional. His list of achievements includes four stage races and two top-ten finishes in a Grand Tour, but he gradually settled into a domestique role, even more so after leaving Ineos, where he spent his first six seasons as a pro, to join UAE.

Over the years he has earned a reputation as a loyal and reliable helper, without giving up on putting his quality at the service of personal results: we remember the victory in the general classification at last year's Ruta del Sol and the ninth place at the 2024 Vuelta. He closed his experience in the Emirates with a podium at the Veneto Classic , won by his teammate and world champion Brandon McNulty .

"I'm closing a chapter in my life and career," Sivakov wrote on social media to confirm his departure. "In the heat of action, it's always difficult to realize and appreciate the value of what we've achieved. As athletes, we're always focused on the next goals, always looking forward. Now, as I stop and look at some photos, I realize how many incredible moments I've experienced over these three seasons. I'm already feeling nostalgic, knowing that they will surely be among the fondest memories of my career."

And again: "I am extremely proud and grateful to have been part of UAE for these three years, contributing to historic performances but, above all, being part of a fantastic group of people. A group in which everyone played a role in every success, supported each other in difficult times, and always managed to stay positive."