"We are demonstrating in this Vuelta that we were not mistaken in trusting youth" - Marc Madiot sees vindication for Groupama-FDJ with Lenny Martinez in Vuelta a Espana lead

Lenny Martinez is the overall leader of the Vuelta a Espana after six stages of the Spanish Grand Tour, something that understandably delights Groupama - FDJ boss, Marc Madiot.

"I spoke to him on the phone and I told him that he had to stay calm because it's only the beginning," Madiot told Cyclism'Actu. "We know that the big favorites will pass him again, I didn't don't worry about that. Afterwards, what I expect from him is a full and regular Vuelta from him. I want him to do in the second and third weeks what he did during the premiere, even if there will certainly be less good days. In any case, we are not putting up any barriers, whether up or down. We have a good dynamic and we will continue."

Groupama - FDJ took the Vuelta a Espana with a very young team an eye cast more towards the future. Their jewel is proving to the 20-year-old Frenchman though and with Thibaut Pinot set to retire at the end of the year, there is room for a new French star at Groupama - FDJ.

“I note and emphasize that there were smiles when we announced our program for the year, both with the young and the oldest, and I think that we are demonstrating in this Vuelta that we were not mistaken in trusting youth," Madiot says delightedly. "Our sporting logic may seem daring and ambitious, but we are convinced that we have the elements to achieve our aspirations and our objectives."