Bahrain Victorious Hail Martinez's Tour Breakthrough

Martinez, who turned 23 during this year's Tour, finished fifth overall after emerging as Bahrain Victorious' general classification leader when pre-race team leader Antonio Tiberi struggled in the opening week.

The Italian outfit had initially built their campaign around Tiberi but shifted their strategy as Martinez continued to impress.

"We began with Antonio Tiberi as our rider for the general classification, but he did not have the legs for it," Gasparotto said. "The internal dynamics changed, and it took us about a week to adapt and focus on the general classification with Lenny, with Antonio moving into a support role."

Gasparotto said Martinez's calm personality proved vital as Bahrain Victorious rallied around him during the second half of the race.

"When you have a personality who brings calm and composure to his teammates, as Lenny did during the second and third weeks, you already have a major advantage," he said. "Lenny helped the group grow and, from a certain point onwards, united everyone."

He also praised Martinez's consistency throughout the Tour.

"Finishing fifth in a Tour de France of this level, and above all doing so while getting stronger, is an excellent sign."

Gasparotto also compared Martinez's performance with that of highly rated French teenager Paul Seixas, who finished one place ahead of him in fourth.

While Seixas faded during the closing stages of the race, Gasparotto said Martinez continued to improve as the Tour progressed.

"It was exactly the opposite with Martinez," he said. "His performance was outstanding. He played a key role during the final two days. When you consider that even Paul Seixas, the most highly rated young talent, paid the price, it was exactly the opposite with Martinez."

Gasparotto also urged French fans and media to avoid placing excessive expectations on the young rider following his breakout Tour.

"I just hope the French do not put too much pressure on him," he said. "Lenny comes from a cycling family. Both his father and grandfather were riders. I think this result makes the entire Martinez family proud."

Bahrain Victorious will now turn their attention to the Renewi Tour, which takes place from August 19 to 23, before also competing in La Vuelta a España, running from August 22 to September 13, where Pau Miquel is set to represent the team. The squad will then race in the Bretagne Classic - CIC on August 30 as they continue their UCI WorldTour campaign.