As mentioned though, the Maillot Jaune isn't a target for the 21-year-old. Not yet at least. "My focus is on stage wins. If things go well, maybe I can also start picking up a few points for the polka-dot jersey — but that’s definitely a secondary goal for now," he explains. "One thing’s certain: I’m not aiming for the general classification just yet. That’s something I might look at in the future, but right now, I really enjoy going after stages."
"I do enjoy riding for the general classification, but it’s a very different feeling. Winning a stage — that sensation you get at the finish line — is indescribable. It’s just insane," he clarifies. "And anyway, there’s no way I can win the Tour at this stage of my career, so I don’t see much point in coming here just to chase the GC."
In terms of stages to win, there are a few that stand out as well. "I really like the Mûr-de-Bretagne stage, for example. I also like the ones finishing at Mont Ventoux and Mont-Dore. But honestly, any stage — if I can win it, it would be amazing," he says excitedly. "The time trial at Peyragudes too — even though it’ll be hard to beat the top guys, I think that on a good day, I might not be too far off. So I’ll be going for a strong result there as well."
Whilst last year, Martinez had the added pressures of riding for a French team at his home Grand Tour, this year he arrives in different surroundings at Bahrain - Victorious. "We’ve made a lot of changes in training these past few months. I spent the whole winter working on my explosive efforts with my coach. I also felt I needed a new environment," he explains. "Being in an international team, surrounded by riders from all over the world, is really motivating. I enjoy change, and it’s done me good."
"After analysing my training data, he saw I had a real aptitude for short, sharp efforts, and we’ve really focused on that. I can also handle long climbs, but he felt it was more valuable to develop that punchy side," concludes the French starlet. "It’s such an important asset — those little differences in the final moments are often what decide a win when you arrive in a small group. I now feel much more confident in those situations."