A few days after his very difficult passage in the Pyrenees, where his body had left him without strength in the passes while he was still in 5th place in the general classification, Lenny Martinez announced his intention to return to the fight for a victory of stage before the end of the Vuelta. Comments far from trivial… Analysis.
For his first Grand Tour at barely 20 years old, Lenny Martinez achieved exceptional performances during the first two weeks of racing, finishing in 5th place overall last Friday on the morning of the first major Pyrenean stage, just behind Primoz Roglic et Remco Evenpoeland just in front Jonas Vingegaard. A result which says a lot about the great potential of the young climber of the Groupama-FDJ. If he then gave in physically, particularly during the passage through the Pyrenees, which seems entirely logical at his age and given his lack of experience and “body” over three weeks, Lenny Martinez has clearly made an appointment for the future.
Cycling – Vuelta: He rides in support of Lenny Martinez https://t.co/kxWNFbrOgg pic.twitter.com/0BCmr5XZYq
— le10sport (@le10sport) September 13, 2023
“I’m learning a lot of things on this Vuelta”
While he is now in 26th place in the general classification, Lenny Martinez regains color at the end of the Vuelta. On the morning of the 18th stage, the last real mountain stage arriving at Puerto de la Cruz de Linares, the Frenchman was ready to go back into battle, for the stage victory from now on. He notably affirmed, in comments reported by cyclismactu.net : « I’m learning a lot about this Vuelta. Of course it’s more difficult than at the start, but you have to hang on. I got sick, at first it was fine, then I felt that my legs were getting emptier and emptier as the days went by. Now that’s the end of the general classification goal, but I’m going to try to aim for the stages “. Finally, Lenny Martinez did not take the winning shot on Thursday, but he will have another chance on Saturday, on the eve of the arrival in Madrid, the stage presenting a very hilly course, leaving great chances for the escapees to go to the end .
The demonstration of a winning mentality
In any case, seemingly anecdotal, these comments from the young French champion are much less so than they seem. They demonstrate the great mental strength of the climber of the Groupama-FDJ, who instead of brooding over his fall in the rankings or quietly waiting for the arrival in Madrid, has conditioned himself to go back into battle and play for the win. An attitude that leaves no doubt about his winning and fighting mentality. A very important dimension for the future.
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