Winner of Itzulia Basque Country, podium at Paris-Nice and
Volta ao Algarve, and Top5 at both Flèche Wallone and Liège-Bastogne-Liége propelled Martínez into a leading position last year. His consistency and climbing quality had him as a co-leader at the Tour, but as Geraint Thomas returned to his best level, the 26-year old rode to 29th in the GC, without having been able to be in the spotlight often.
Martínez has just won the Volta ao Algarve with a surprising performance in the final time-trial, and will be aiming high this spring as he builds his form. "I will enjoy this victory in the Algarve but take things step by step towards the Tour. That's the big objective but even before then we have important races like Paris-Nice, Basque Country, and the Ardennes, where I need to be in good shape too," he concluded.