Dropped or not? Martinez played games with Almeida in Romandie’s Queen Stage: "That’s cycling"

It was Martinez's second victory of the season after his win in Paris-Nice. "And again in the WorldTour," he cheered afterward to the microphone of Cycling Pro. On Friday, the youngster finished second on a finish that also didn't suit him. "Yesterday, I was close, so today, I was feeling a bit like I wanted revenge. I knew it was possible, but the climb was super long, and the team had done a great job for me. I finished it, and I'm pleased with that."

In the final phase, the Frenchman found himself alone with Lorenzo Fortunato and a dangerous duo from UAE Team Emirates - XRG: Jay Vine and Almeida. "My sports director told me they would probably want to wear down the Astana rider (Lorenzo Fortunato, ed.). If he was worn out, they would probably attack with the two of them. But João Almeida was just a little stronger, and Jay Vine sacrificed himself for him. Then the two of us were left."

Almeida managed to get away, but Martinez kept up with him. But the Portuguese rider was incredibly strong and sometimes seemed to be pulling away from his rival. But he closed the gap again every time he gave up a meter. It was a bit of psychological warfare. "Sometimes it was difficult, but I also had to play with it a bit, then I stopped riding. But that's how it goes, that's racing. He was very strong, I think we were pretty evenly matched."

The yellow jersey now hangs on Martinez's shoulders, and he has a small lead to defend: Fortunato is second, two seconds behind, with Almeida another second behind him. Keeping the jersey will not be easy. "It would be nice, but I think we must be realistic: it will be a bit complicated against a rider like Almeida. I'll be delighted if I'm still on the podium after the time trial. The victory will be difficult, but I will give it my all; you never know. But a stage victory is better than a top five in the GC."

Last year, the climber finished 17th in the final time trial of the Tour de Romandie. His time trial is, therefore, quite good. "It's not bad, but I don't stand much chance against top riders like Almeida. They are also fast riders: they can climb just as well but are heavier. I have focused more on my time trial than in previous years, so hopefully, that will help tomorrow. The final verdict will be revealed at the end."