Bahrain Victorious Set for Paris–Nice Challenge

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain Victorious will line up at the 2026 Paris–Nice from 8–15 March, with a challenging final weekend awaiting in the hills behind Nice.

The race covers roughly 1,200 kilometres, featuring a 23.4 km team time trial, selective midweek stages, and the summit finish at Auron. Consequently, the general classification is expected to take shape progressively throughout the week.

Lenny Martinez will lead the team for the general classification. To begin with, the opening northern stages are typically influenced more by positioning and wind than terrain, making careful organisation essential before the race turns selective. Martinez commented: “I like Paris–Nice. It’s a special race for me — it was my first win in Bahrain colours last year, and I have good memories from that moment.”

Next, the Stage 3 team time trial will create the first meaningful gaps. A coordinated effort from all seven riders is essential to set a strong foundation for the remainder of the race.

From Stage 4 onwards, the course becomes more demanding. The uphill finish at Uchon provides an early test for the overall contenders, while the summit finish at Auron later in the week is expected to be decisive. Bahrain Victorious has historically performed well on this climb, aiming to be present when the race reaches its critical moments. Martinez added: “The course suits me well with some punchy finishes and hard climbs. There is strong competition this year, so it will be interesting to see where my form stands.”

Meanwhile, Phil Bauhaus will target the sprint stages early in the week, with support from Robert Stannard and Mathijs Paasschens, while Nikias Arndt and Kamil Gradek focus on protecting Martinez in exposed sections.

Sports Director Roman Kreuziger explained: “We come to Paris–Nice with a very balanced team. The early flat stages require organisation and wind management, while the team time trial sets the stage for the second half of the race. Lenny is in excellent form, and Damiano Caruso’s experience will be key in positioning him at decisive moments.”

Finally, due to local elections in France, the final stage will not finish on the Promenade des Anglais. Instead, the race will conclude on a revised circuit around Nice, featuring additional climbs to challenge the riders before the finish.