Martinez’s Withdrawal: A Tactical Decision or Cause for Concern?

Martinez’s decision to skip Luik-Bastenaken-Luik—one of cycling’s five Monuments—was framed by Bahrain Victorious as a precautionary measure. In a brief statement released on Monday morning, the team confirmed that the young Frenchman would “take a short rest period” to recover from the demands of the early-season campaign. The statement did not specify any injury or illness, leaving room for speculation about whether the move is purely tactical or indicative of deeper fatigue.

Martinez, who burst onto the scene in 2023 with a stage win at the Tour de France and a fourth-place finish in the Vuelta a España, has been earmarked as one of the sport’s rising stars. His climbing prowess and aggressive racing style made him a dark horse for a podium finish in Liège, where the brutal ascents of the Côte de la Redoute and Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons often decide the race. His absence leaves a significant gap in Bahrain Victorious’ ambitions for the Ardennes Classic.

For context, Luik-Bastenaken-Luik—often referred to as LBL or “La Doyenne” (The Old Lady)—is the oldest of the Monuments, first held in 1892. The 2026 edition, scheduled for Sunday, April 26, covers approximately 258 kilometers, with 11 categorized climbs. The race is the final leg of the Ardennes Week, following the Amstel Gold Race and Flèche Wallonne, and is a critical target for climbers and puncheurs alike.

Alaphilippe’s Absence: A Blow to the Race’s Star Power

Martinez’s withdrawal compounds the disappointment of Julian Alaphilippe’s absence, which was confirmed last week by his team, Tudor Pro Cycling. The Belgian outfit, which has deep roots in the Ardennes region, cited “medical reasons” for the two-time world champion’s withdrawal, though no further details were provided. Alaphilippe, a two-time winner of Flèche Wallonne and a former world road race champion, was expected to be a major contender in Liège, where he finished second in 2021.

Alaphilippe’s absence is particularly notable given his connection to the race. The 34-year-old Belgian (though he races under the French flag) has long been a fan favorite in the Ardennes, and his aggressive, attacking style has produced some of the most memorable moments in recent editions. His withdrawal leaves a void in the peloton, both in terms of star power and tactical depth.

With Alaphilippe and Martinez both out, the race dynamics shift significantly. The absence of two of the peloton’s most explosive climbers opens the door for other contenders, including Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step), who won the race in 2022 and 2023, and Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers), the 2024 champion. Evenepoel, in particular, will be keen to reclaim his dominance in Liège after a relatively quiet start to the 2026 season.

Bahrain Victorious Adjusts Its Lineup

Martinez’s withdrawal forces Bahrain Victorious to recalibrate its strategy for Luik-Bastenaken-Luik. The team, which has struggled to find its footing in the early part of the 2026 season, had pinned its hopes on Martinez as a wildcard contender for a top-five finish. His absence leaves the team with a thinner roster for the Ardennes, though it does open opportunities for other riders, including Pello Bilbao and Mikel Landa, to step into leadership roles.

In a surprising twist, Bahrain Victorious as well announced that Martinez’s withdrawal would allow the team to field a stronger squad for the upcoming Tour de Romandie, which begins on April 29. The Swiss stage race, a key preparation event for the Giro d’Italia, could serve as a redemption opportunity for Martinez, who has yet to secure a major victory in 2026.

“Lenny has shown incredible form this season, but we want to ensure he is fresh for the rest of the year,” said Bahrain Victorious sports director Roger Hammond in a statement. “The Ardennes are always tough, and we believe this short rest period will benefit him in the long run.”

What In other words for the 2026 Ardennes Week

The withdrawals of Martinez and Alaphilippe add an unexpected layer of intrigue to the 2026 Ardennes Week. With two of the peloton’s most dynamic climbers out of the picture, the races could see a shift toward more controlled, tactical racing. Here’s what to watch for in the coming days:

• Flèche Wallonne (Wednesday, April 29): Evenepoel and Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain Victorious) are the top favorites, but the absence of Alaphilippe and Martinez could open the door for outsiders like Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) or Enric Mas (Movistar).
• Luik-Bastenaken-Luik (Sunday, April 26): With Martinez and Alaphilippe out, Evenepoel is the clear favorite, but the race could come down to a tactical battle between the remaining climbers. Pidcock, who won in 2024, will be looking to defend his title, even as Aleksandr Vlasov (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost) could also be in the mix.
• Tour de Romandie (April 29–May 4): Martinez’s participation in the Swiss race could serve as a barometer for his form ahead of the Giro d’Italia, which begins on May 10. If he performs well, it could signal a return to top form for the young Frenchman.

Key Takeaways

• Lenny Martinez withdraws from Luik-Bastenaken-Luik to take a short rest period, Bahrain Victorious confirms.
• Julian Alaphilippe is also out of the race due to “medical reasons,” his team Tudor Pro Cycling announced last week.
• The withdrawals shift the race dynamics, with Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock emerging as the top favorites.
• Martinez’s absence opens opportunities for other Bahrain Victorious riders, including Pello Bilbao and Mikel Landa, in Liège.
• The Frenchman will instead focus on the Tour de Romandie, which begins on April 29.
• The 2026 Ardennes Week could see more tactical, controlled racing with the absence of two of the peloton’s most aggressive climbers.

What’s Next?

The next major event on the cycling calendar is Flèche Wallonne, which takes place on Wednesday, April 29. The race, which covers 199.5 kilometers and includes the iconic Mur de Huy, will serve as a final tune-up for riders ahead of Luik-Bastenaken-Luik on Sunday. Evenepoel, who won the race in 2023 and 2024, is the clear favorite, but the absence of Alaphilippe and Martinez could create for a more unpredictable race.

For fans, the best way to stay updated is to follow the official race accounts on social media, including @LBLcycling and @ArdennesWeek. Live coverage of both Flèche Wallonne and Luik-Bastenaken-Luik will be available on Eurosport and GCN+.