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Lenny Martinez (Groupama-FDJ) continued his flying start to 2024 with a 9.3km solo victory in a thrilling edition of Trofeo Laigueglia after a brutal battle in the Ligurian Hills with a group full of youthful talent.
The Frenchman attacked out of the leading five-man group on the final ascent of the Colla Micheri, with Jan Christen (UAE Team Emirates) close behind and closing him down on the run back into Laigueglia.
But as the road reared back over the Capo Mele in the final few kilometres, Christen ran out of steam and fell back into the group of chasers. He would finish fifth after a powerful performance at still only 19, with teammate Juan Ayuso appearing from nowhere to take third.
Andrea Vendrame (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team) was second in the reduced-group sprint behind, but his presence as the clear fastest man in the lead group prompted Martinez to ensure he was alone at the line.
This is Martinez’s second victory of the season after already claiming…
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