We have been waiting for almost 40 years for a successor to “Badger”, Bernard Hinault who won his fifth and last Tour de France in July 1985. During these almost 40 years, the French public has been able to believe it on a few occasions, notably in 2019 with Julian Alaphilippe and Thibaut Pinot.
“Recruited to be a leader”
But he is still waiting for a successor. Talented climber, son of a former champion, can Lenny Martinez be the chosen one? He believes in it in any case, and did not hesitate to declare in an interview with Le Monde: “ I want to win the Tour de France “. If he does not give a deadline for this ambition, the one who is only 21 years old, confirms that his departure abroad, towards Bahrain Victorious, is a first way to get closer to this dream: “ I was recruited to take on this leadership role, I know it ».
124th for his first participation in the Tour
Although he has already shone in several high-level races, Lenny Martinez had a painful first experience in the Tour last summer. Lined up at the last moment by his team, Groupama-FDJ, he completely fell through, finishing in a very distant 124th place: “ I wanted to participate in my first Tour with a French team and I accumulated experience for the future », assures the young runner.
