After a brutally selective final stage around the Côte d’Azur, Lenny Maritinez (Bahrain Victorious) was the only rider capable of following Jonas Vingegaard’s attack on the steep slopes of the Cote du Linguador. The duo crested the final climb together and built a decisive gap over the chasing group, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. In the sprint, Martinez proved the faster and crossed the finish line first to take the stage win on roads close to his birthplace in Cannes. Vingegaard claimed second, while Harold Tejada completed the podium in third place.
“Winning here in Nice, close to where I grew up, makes it even more special. It was a hard week of racing and there were some complicated stages, but I’m really happy with everything I’ve done. Today I felt good that I was able to follow Jonas when he attacked. To win against a rider like him shows how much I’ve improved since last year, both physically and mentally. I was a bit worried. I told him I would help after, but I was mainly afraid of riding and then being attacked, because it’s still Jonas, and you never know what he’s capable of. He’s super strong.
It’s crazy to win the last stage. I never thought it would happen because the course was hard, but the finish wasn’t. I never thought I would win in a sprint, especially against Jonas. It’s a great start to the season. I really wanted a victory, and now I have one, so I’m even happier. It’s also very special because my parents were here at the finish, so to win in front of them makes this moment even more meaningful.”
-Lenny Martinez
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