Bahrain Victorious to Race Classic Var and Tour des Alpes-Maritimes

# Bahrain Victorious Prepares for Dynamic Races at Classic Var and Tour des Alpes-Maritimes

Bahrain Victorious is gearing up for an exciting return to the sun-soaked roads of southern France for the Classic Var and the revamped Tour des Alpes-Maritimes. Last year, the team made quite an impression, with Santiago Buitrago securing second place and Lenny Martinez finishing third, also clinching the Best Young Rider classification. Bahrain Victorious was honored with the title of Best Team.

However, competitors will face a fresh challenge in 2026 as both events adopt new formats. The Tour des Alpes-Maritimes will transition into a one-day race, designed to enhance the excitement while maintaining its climbing reputation. In contrast, the Classic Var is set to favor sprinters over pure climbers, shifting the focus for Bahrain Victorious.

As a result, French cyclist Lenny Martinez will not participate in the 3rd Classic Var 1.1 (La Garde–Brignoles, 176.6 km). Instead, the team’s strategy revolves around sprinter Phil Bauhaus. Sports Director Roman Kreuziger elaborated on the tactical shift: “Classic Var will be a completely different race compared to previous years, with a profile more suited to the sprinters. That’s why we have selected this roster, with Phil Bauhaus standing out after the good shape he already showed in Almería. I expect a similar scenario here.”

Kreuziger further outlined the team’s objectives, saying: “Our boys, especially Ermakov, will have to protect him in the first part. The mission is clear: protect Phil in the opening 30 kilometres, where there is one longer climb, and then manage the rolling terrain with some technical sections. The final is very fast and should suit him well. I expect a strong bunch sprint.”

Bauhaus will receive assistance from team members Eržen, Van Mechelen, Segaert, and Dunwoody, a Development Team rider who has demonstrated impressive skills in previous races.

On the other hand, the 58th Tour des Alpes-Maritimes (1.1) will take place on Sunday, February 22, in its new single-day format. The route runs 154 km from Villefranche-sur-Mer to Biot, featuring an elevation gain of approximately 3,000 metres, which includes the challenging climbs of Col d’Èze, Col de Châteauneuf, Col de Carros, and a final ascent to Gourdon.

The race will also mark the season debut of Lenny Martinez, who takes over leadership from Phil Bauhaus. Kreuziger expressed optimism for the upcoming race, stating, “The course is similar to what we raced last year — in a beautiful place but with a very tough first 85 kilometres, featuring climbs that we will also face later in the season at Paris-Nice. We know what to expect: it will be aggressive and fireworks from the start and throughout the day.”

Kreuziger added, “We hope Pau responds well after the altitude camp, and of course Lenny, who makes his season debut. From the data we can see he is in good shape and highly motivated — and that makes a big difference when it comes to performance. Let’s hope we can deliver a strong weekend.”

As Bahrain Victorious steps into this new racing realm, all eyes will be on the team’s performance during these critical rounds.