Although the rider's entourage assured a few weeks ago that his absolute priority was to continue with Groupama FDJ at any price, reports continue to circulate that Lenny Martinez is on his way to Bahrain - Victorious.
In the latest update to the saga from La Gazzetta dello Sport's respected Ciro Scognamiglio, the promising French talent is now "very likely" to sign a multiple-year deal with Bahrain - Victorious from 2025. A move that makes sense money-wise for Martinez, but also makes sense for Bahrain. The squad has been looking to rejuvenate its leaders in a process that began last year by not renewing Mikel Landa. This season, other than Antonio Tiberi, who continues to impress at the Giro d'Italia, the Grand Tours general classification hopefuls within the team are men in their thirties like Pello Bilbao, Damiano Caruso or Wout Poels.
With Martinez just 20 years old (he will turn 21 on July 11 during the Tour de France), the diminutive climber has proved himself to be a very promising rider in his two seasons at World Tour level so far. In 2023, he became leader of the Vuelta a Espana, in 2024 he has exploded further into the wider consciousness with victories in the Trofeo Laigueglia, Classic Var, Classic Grand Besançon Doubs and the Tour du Doubs. In addition, he finished second in O Gran Camiño only behind Jonas Vingegaard and seventh in the Volta a Catalunya;
In his last race, somewhat fatigued after his ride through the French classics in April, he finished eighth in the Tour de Romandie, showing that besides being a great puncheur and a man capable of fighting for stage victories in Grand Tours (he was already second in a stage of the Vuelta), he is a rider who as soon as he is a bit more polished will be a favourite to fight for the overall in all kinds of stage tours.
As we have already mentioned, if the departure of Martinez is confirmed, it would be a great blow for Groupama - FDJ. The French outfit, would see its great hope to dominate French cycling in the coming years leaving while major rival, Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team, continue to go from strength to strength in 2024.
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Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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MarkFour07-11-2026 - This is a really interesting idea, which, if well prepared could even be very successful. Very little money needs to be involved for a first season and any success could lead to rapid interest from sponsors.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Hmmm, you seem to have a very convenient black and white view of things. Perhaps you haven’t been around much to discover how complex problems can become over time with people who know how to control, manipulate (or worse) others so gradually or subtly that you arrive at an irresolvable situation before you realise. This is how many inconveniences get introduced to the young, naïve, passionate or “desperate”, knowing they are not armed, protected or strong enough to defend themselves once it’s too late. Why do you think omerta culture is so widespread, why do you think so many people continue to go through so many awful things in life that others can’t understand anyone getting into? Life may be far more jolly for you but you would do well to understand (or reflect more on) the real world to refrain from being so quick to criticise those in a hard spot that may have genuine reason for speaking out.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
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Info @Gazzetta_it - According to our sources, as we already reported early spring, @lennymrtz1 - now with @GroupamaFDJ , only 20 years old - is very likely to join from 2025 (multiple year deal) @BHRVictorious @cycling_podcast
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