A miracle was needed, but it did not occur. Despite a long breakaway, Lenny Martinez did not collect enough points in the mountain classification to challenge Tadej Pogacar’s dominance.
Lenny Martinez will have no regrets. Initiating an attack on the Col de Pré, the first challenge of the day, the Cannes native was the first to cross its hors catégorie summit. Starting with a 33-point deficit before the beginning, the young climber from Bahrain Victorious closed the gap to 13 points with his main competitor, Tadej Pogacar. On a very short stage (93 km) between Albertville and La Plagne, one might have thought the breakaway stood a chance of going all the way. Especially since Lenny Martinez was accompanied by Primoz Roglic seeking another podium in the Tour de France and Valentin Paret-Peintre, who had won at the summit of Mont Ventoux during the 16th stage. A strong breakaway on paper but not enough against the steamroller of Tadej Pogacar’s UAE Team Emirates.
Because in this stage, the challenges came one after another. Just six kilometers after ascending the Col de Pré, the Cormet de Roselend loomed. A 2nd category challenge offering five points to the first rider to reach its summit. With his face marked by effort, Lenny Martinez was dropped for the first time but fought back bravely to lead the Cormet de Roselend. The gap with Tadej Pogacar reduced once again to just eight small points.
However, Lenny Martinez seemed to be out of strength. In the descent, he was unable to keep up and was eventually dropped for good. Caught by the yellow jersey group just behind him, the matter was settled. Tadej Pogacar aimed to win the stage and secure the final 20 points of the day at the finish in La Plagne. Although the Slovenian ultimately fell short, finishing only third, he scored 12 points, securing a 20-point lead over Lenny Martinez who completed the stage with flair, finishing just outside the top 10.
Nevertheless, only 14 points remain to be distributed over the last two stages of the Tour de France. Thus, it marks the end of a captivating saga that engaged the French public, still numerous in supporting the Maralpin rider in the various climbs he led or crested in front. The Cannes native might indeed be rewarded with the prize for the most combative rider on the Champs-Elysées on Sunday. The answer will come in two days!
