There will finally be two Nivernais at the start of the 111th Tour de France: after Julien Bernard, it is the promising Lenny Martinez (20 years old) who has just learned of his selection, within Groupama-FDJ. This will be his very first Grande Boucle. With what role? Being co-leader with David Gaudu? Chase the steps?
It’s the chef’s surprise! No one had come for it. This summer, among the neophytes of the 111th Tour de France, which starts on Saturday July 29 from Florence (Italy), the peloton will finally include one of the most promising French people of his generation: the Nivernais Lenny Martinez.
Cycling. Nivernais Julien Bernard selected for his 4th Tour de France, with the Lidl-Trek
The debate on his debut on the Grande Boucle in 2024 for the promising 20-year-old French rider, his second Grand Tour after the 2023 Vuelta – where he wore the leader’s red jersey for two days – seemed to have been closed for several weeks: as of June 1, 2024, Marc Madiot, the manager of Groupama-FDJ, was categorical: “Putting him on the Tour de France this year would not do him any favors,” explained the double winner of Paris-Roubaix on RMC, in the show Les Grandes Gueules. You have to be reasonable. The Tour de France is a machine for crushing young French riders. I think he is not yet fully capable of participating in the Tour to achieve a great result.”
Lenny Martinez was due to compete in the Tour de Burgos in July
His program for the month of July even seemed already defined: a training course at altitude, then the Tour de Burgos, to prepare for the Vuelta (August 17-September 8), in the shoes of a leader, with David Gaudu in support. The winner of the last Classic Var had said it several times.
But Groupama-FDJ took everyone by surprise, this Monday, June 24, 2024, by including Lenny Martinez in its selection for the Tour de France.
What happened to make Groupama-FDJ change its mind? Is this the consequence of the new disappointing season of David Gaudu, designated leader on this Grande Boucle, but far from the best in Paris-Nice, the Tour de Romandie and the Critérium du Dauphiné?
Lenny Martinez won his sixth victory of the 2024 season on May 29, at the Mercan’tour Classic.
It remains to be seen what Lenny Martinez’s role will be for his very first Tour de France: being co-leader of a David Gaudu offering few guarantees this season, affected by Covid-19 last week, and forfeiting the championships. France on the disputed road around Saint-Martin-de-Landelles? Or in the role of stage hunter? One thing is certain, he is becoming one of the big favorites for the best youngster jersey.
All our articles on Lenny Martinez
If he appeared blunted during the last Tour de Suisse (32nd overall), mid-June, the son of Miguel Martinez asserted himself a little more in 2024 as the best hope of French cycling for the coming years, with his six victories, including the Classic Grand Besançon Doubs and the Mercan’Tour Classic Alpes-Maritimes.
Two Nivernais on the same Tour de France,
a first ?
Lenny Martinez is not the first Nivernais representative on the Tour de France. Before him, in addition to Julien Bernard, who will compete this summer in his fourth Grande Boucle, Frédéric Finot (2003 and 2004) and the Martinez siblings, Miguel (2002) and Mariano (10 participations between 1971 and 1981, including a polka dot jersey brought back to Paris, in 1978), also participated in the July High Mass.
But two professionals from Niverna participating in the same Tour de France? As far as Nivernais remembers, this has never happened!
Alexandre Mazel
