Leader before the final day, Cannois Lenny Martinez could not withstand the comeback of Joao Almeida in the final time trial in Geneva. The Frenchman finished second overall, a promising result at 21 years old.
Lenny Martinez finished strong, but it wasn’t enough. This Sunday, May 4, in the streets of Geneva, the Bahrain-Victorious rider could not keep his yellow jersey acquired the day before at Thyon 2000. Thirteenth in the 17.1-kilometer time trial, he conceded 30 seconds to Joao Almeida, who finished second in the stage and became the new winner of the Tour de Romandie.
Winner of the queen stage on Saturday, Lenny Martinez had overturned the general classification thanks to a solid climb to Thyon 2000, winning in a sprint ahead of Joao Almeida. Three seconds separated the two men before the final time trial. The Portuguese rider managed to reverse the situation.
The Frenchman finished 26 seconds behind the winner. Jay Vine completed the podium. At 21 years old, the native of Cannes achieved the best result of his young career in a World Tour stage race.
Even if he couldn’t resist the Portuguese rider’s comeback, the tricolor cyclist still showed great qualities throughout the week. Strong in the mountains, he also delivered a convincing time trial, even though it wasn’t enough to retain the yellow jersey.
This second place marks an important stage in his progression. Already victorious this season, he confirms his consistency and potential in stage races. The rest of the season will offer him other opportunities to compete for the win.
