“I know I didn’t intend to cheat” — Lenny Martinez breaks silence on Tour de France sticky-bottle storm and looks ahead to 2026

Lenny Martinez has spoken candidly about the controversy that overshadowed his Tour de France debut, admitting that the backlash to his sticky-bottle incident was difficult to ignore — even as he insists there was no intent to gain an unfair advantage.

The young French climber was sensationally docked eight King of the Mountains points during stage 18 after being filmed collecting three bottles in succession from Bahrain Victorious sports director Roman Kreuziger on the Col du Glandon. Martinez lost the polka dots to eventual overall winner Tadej Pogacar the same day, sparking fierce online debate and criticism from former teammate Thibaut Pinot.

Reflecting on the moment, Martinez told RMC that the furore has been hard to escape. “Of course, it’s a bit upsetting, given everything that’s being said on social media. Even though I try not to look at it too much, I stumbled across it,” he said. “I know I didn’t intend to cheat. When I watch the video, I think there are things that aren’t right. But it’s also complicated when you’re on a mountain pass."

“You’re lacking in clear thinking when you’re making a big effort. People don’t understand that aspect. Many people watch the Tour de France and think that simply hanging on is cheating, even though you’re allowed four seconds. In any case, I know I didn’t intend to cheat. I’m at peace with myself. As for Thibaut Pinot, I don’t have much to say. I don’t know why he reacted that way.”

Despite winning four races in his first season with Bahrain Victorious, including Paris-Nice and Criterium du Dauphine stages, Martinez fell short of securing a Tour stage or the polka dot jersey. He remains unsure whether next year will bring a GC attempt or another polka-dot campaign.

“Honestly, I don’t know what the objectives will be for the Tour de France in 2026. Of course, winning a stage will be an objective, but regarding the general classification, I don’t know yet, we’ll see little by little with the team and the staff.”

While Martinez may no longer carry the mantle of France’s lone great hope, he is enthusiastic about the rise of Decathlon-AG2R’s Paul Seixas, who stunned many in 2025 with bronze at the European Championships and seventh at Il Lombardia.

“I’m quite impressed by what he’s doing. At his age, frankly, he’s at an extraordinary level, and I think he has enormous potential in the Grand Tours,” Martinez said. “In 2026, he can aim for something in the Tour de France. Seriously, given his level this year, finishing 7th in Il Lombardia, he can win a stage."

“Plus, he’ll have improved with another six months of experience, and I think he has what it takes to compete in the Tour de France. But it’s his decision. If he wants to do the Tour, he should do it. If he doesn't want to and prefers to do a Vuelta, then he should do a Vuelta first.”

From sticky-bottle scrutiny to a fierce fight for French cycling’s future, Martinez’s words underline a rider determined to move forward — and one keeping a close eye on the country’s next potential superstar.