Lenny Martinez, son of 2000 Olympic mountain bike champion Miguel Martinez pulled away in the closing metres to finish three seconds ahead of compatriot Clement Champoussin and Matteo Jorgenson after the hilly 203.3km ride from Saint-Just-en-Chaevalet to La Cote Saint-Andre. A series of punchy climbs on Stage 5 of Paris- Nice hit out to glory at top of the last one, taking a first World Tour victory in front of a home crowd. With it came a podium place, and the lead in the best young rider's competition.
"That was just incredible. Everybody did a great job today, and on the final climb I knew I wanted to be up there with 150m to go. I had to just go for it and go for it. I accelerated and was able to raise my arms and enjoy it. I said to myself I really had to go for the win. I knew it was possible; I believe in it, and it's brilliant. We're going to give everything towards the weekend, maybe even climb one or two places in the GC. It's nice to have a stage win, rather than just be there.
-Lenny Martinez
Beautiful Tuscany: Strade Bianche
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