"It was exactly the opposite with Martinez" - Bahrain Victorious compare Lenny Martinez and Paul Seixas' Tour de France performances
CyclingWednesday, 29 July 2026 at 12:02
Lenny Martinez enjoyed a successful 2026 Tour de France, with his race evolving from teammate chasing minor accolades to full-blown general classification leader in the top five of la Grand Boucle. One of the best young talents to emerge from France in recent years, the result marks a milestone in his career.
Turning just 23 during the race, Martinez has seen the pressure and anticipation ease from the early years of his career. With the emergence of Paul Seixas as French cycling's great hope, the two found themselves side-by-side at the end of the Tour.
Bahrain Victorious sports director Enrico Gasparotto had high praise for his rider, who found himself thrust into the position of leader as Antonio Tibreri struggled in the opening week.
"We began with Antonio Tiberi as our rider for the general classification, but he did not have the legs for it," Sports director Enrico Gasparotto said in an interview with Bici.
Lenny Martínez at the 2026 Tour de France
Bahrain adapt to Martinez opportunity
He added: "The internal dynamics changed, and it took us about a week to adapt and focus on the general classification with Lenny, with Antonio moving into a support role."
Crediting his maturity and calming presence in the team bus, Martinez helped galvinise the squad as they repeatedly worked for him at the front of the peloton over the second half of the race.
“When you have a personality who brings calm and composure to his teammates, as Lenny did during the second and third weeks, you already have a major advantage,” Gasparotto said. “Lenny helped the group grow and, from a certain point onwards, united everyone.”
"Finishing fifth in a Tour de France of this level, and above all doing so while getting stronger, is an excellent sign.”
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Comparing Martinez and Seixas at Tour
Comparing his race to Paul Seixas, Gasparotto saw his rider gaining strength while the 19-year-old seemingly struggled in the race's final days, despite finishing a place ahead of him in the general classification. His team are hoping that pressure and attention doesn't grow out of control in the wake of his strong showing.
“His performance was outstanding. He played a key role during the final two days. When you consider that even Paul Seixas, the most highly rated young talent, paid the price, it was exactly the opposite with Martinez.”
“I just hope the French do not put too much pressure on him. Lenny comes from a cycling family: both his father and his grandfather were riders. I think this result makes the entire Martinez family proud.”
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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