Daniel Martínez on INEOS leadership at the Tour: "When the Tour de France starts, it will be decided"

After a very successful start to the season, Daniel Martínez is on the list of riders that will be eyeing the lead of INEOS Grenadiers at the Tour de France. After having confirmed his talent at last year's Giro d'Italia - where he finished fifth whilst supporting Egan Bernal - he maay get an opportunity of his own this summer.

“The team has given me a lot of confidence. I get help and advice from experienced teammates like Michał Kwiatkowski and Geraint Thomas, riders with great qualities. They really give me confidence to do well," Martínez told El Ciclismo.

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Having won the national time-trial championships and finished third at the Volta ao Algarve and Paris-Nice he started off his season in-form, however it was his win at the Itzulia Basque Country which has propelled him into a serious discussion where he may be the team's most reliable option for the second Grand Tour of the year.

“You don't just have to train physically, the mental aspect is also very important. I believe that is crucial in the development I have shown," he added. Top 5 places at Flèche Wallone and Liège-Bastogne-Liège were a good indicator of his all-round capacity.

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Alongside Adam Yates and Geraint Thomas, the Colombian is planned for the Tour de France where a multi-pronged approach is expected. Martínez has added that he is not concerned about it at the time being: “When the Tour de France starts, it will be decided during the race how we are going to do it. At the moment I am calm, enjoying my family and just want to give my best in the Tour.”