Martinez Secures Podium for Bahrain Victorious on La Molina

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Lenny Martinez of Bahrain Victorious claimed third place on Stage 5 of the Volta a Catalunya on Friday, earning a podium spot after a punishing day in the high mountains.

The 153.1-kilometre stage from La Seu d’Urgell to La Molina represented the first major general classification test of the race, featuring over 4,000 metres of climbing and a long final ascent. Strong winds near the summit forced organisers to adjust the finish in the closing kilometres.

An early breakaway animated the stage, but the peloton regrouped ahead of the decisive climb, where the pace gradually thinned the favourites’ group. On the final ascent, Jonas Vingegaard (VISMA) launched a solo attack to claim the stage victory, followed by Felix Gall (DECATHLON). Martinez rode his own tempo to secure third, ensuring Bahrain Victorious had a strong presence on the podium.

The result lifts Martinez to third overall in the general classification and hands him the lead in the young rider standings as the race heads into the coming stages.

Reflecting on the stage, the Frenchman said: "It was a tough day. I didn’t feel great in the middle, but my legs came back later. I got a gap early with Gall and Lipowitz, and tried to stick with Vingegaard once he bridged across. The pace was high, but I’m happy with third place."

With the GC already being tested on La Molina, Martinez and Bahrain Victorious will look to build on this strong showing as the Volta a Catalunya heads into its next mountainous challenges.