In a race marked by rain and an unsurprising scenario, the young Nice native came close to the podium. Clément Champoussin, on the other hand, finished further back after a tough day.
Under a persistent rain and a low sky, the 2025 Flèche Wallonne did not offer any major surprises, but it left an impression, especially among Nice supporters. The young climber Lenny Martinez, now with Bahrain Victorious, made his mark with an impressive 4th place on the Mur de Huy, notably ahead of Remco Evenepoel. A high-level performance for the 21-year-old rider, though he came away with a feeling of unfinished business.
“I wasn’t at my best all day,” he confessed at the finish line. “I held back a bit too much, maybe I should have gone when Pidcock attacked. I could have targeted the podium. Fourth is good, but it’s just one place after the podium… it’s a bit annoying.”
Pogacar imperial, Vauquelin asserts himself
The victory unsurprisingly went to Tadej Pogacar, who was imperial in the final stretch. The Slovenian prevailed over an impressive Kevin Vauquelin, who continues to confirm his status as a leader at Arkéa-B&B Hotels race after race, and Tom Pidcock, who finished third.
On the Nice side, Clément Champoussin (Arkéa-B&B) finished 21st, a result below expectations. Far from the debates at the end, he never seemed in a position to play a leading role on the slopes of the Mur de Huy.
In an edition without major strategic moves, with the morning breakaway only being caught 30 kilometers from the finish, it was all decided by the legs. And Lenny Martinez proved, once again, that he had plenty left in his ride.