Lenny Martinez emerges as Bahrain-Victorious' top transfer target for 2025

Seen by many as the leading light of the next generation of French cycling, could Lenny Martinez be on the move at the end of the season?

According to reports by the usually well-informed Italian journalist Ciro Scognamiglio, the diminutive Groupama - FDJ climber is top of the transfer target wishlist for Bahrain - Victorious ahead of the 2025 campaign.

Whilst Bahrain - Victorious boss Milan Erzen didn't make any outright declarations in conversation with GCN recently, it's not hard to see that there is certainly interest from their side to make a deal happen. “I’ve been following Lenny for three or four years now and for sure he will be a future French star but I can’t confirm anything," Erzen told GCN, keeping his cards close to his chest for the meantime.

"We’ve talked with his agent, but not with him, but no signature. He is at the top of our list though," Erzen continues. "There are so many other richer teams in front of us though, and what we can offer. We can’t compete with the crazy money that’s being offered now."

Martinez fits in perfectly for what Bahrain - Victorious are looking for as well. A younger climber with Grand Tour winning potential to lead the team's GC charge over the coming years. “We’re looking for riders for the Grand Tours but we have contracts for next year with a number of our riders like Bilbao, Haig, Tiberi and Caruso," Erzen concludes. "We’re looking for young guys who can make that jump into that group and learn a lot from them. That’s the main aim now. We have a group of sprinters for the future, and we have some new youngsters for the sprints."