Bahrain Victorious will line up at Paris–Nice (2.UWT) from 8–15 March, taking on eight stages that traditionally combine nervous opening days, a decisive team time trial and a demanding final weekend in the hills behind Nice.
The 2026 edition covers around 1,200 kilometres and includes a 23.4 km team time trial, several selective midweek stages and the summit finish at Auron, with the general classification expected to take shape progressively across the week.
Lenny Martinez will assume leadership of the team for the general classification. The opening stages in northern France are often shaped more by positioning and wind than by terrain, making organisation essential before the race turns more selective.
“I like Paris–Nice. It’s a special race for me — it was my first win in Bahrain colours last year and I have good memories from that moment,” said Martinez.
The team time trial on Stage 3 is likely to create the first meaningful differences. A cohesive effort across all seven riders will be essential in establishing a solid platform for the rest of the race.
From Stage 4 onwards, the profile becomes more demanding. The uphill finish in Uchon is expected to provide an early test among the contenders, while the summit finish at Auron later in the week should once again play a key role in the overall outcome. Bahrain Victorious has delivered strong performances on that climb in previous editions and will aim to be present when the race reaches its decisive phase.
“The course suits me well with some punchy finishes and hard climbs,” Martinez continued. “There is strong competition here this year, so it will be interesting to see where my form stands at this point in the season.”
Phil Bauhaus will be the team’s reference for the sprint stages, with opportunities likely in the opening part of the week depending on race dynamics.
Nikias Arndt and Kamil Gradek will focus on protecting Martinez in exposed sections and key moments throughout the race whilst Robert Stannard and Mathijs Paasschens will form the core of the sprint support early in the week, while remaining adaptable as the terrain becomes more selective.
Sports Director Roman Kreuziger said:
“We come to Paris–Nice with a very balanced team. For the opening flat stages, Phil has shown excellent shape, which is promising for the sprint opportunities early in the week and potentially later on as well, depending on how the stages unfold.
The first stages can always be nervous, especially if there is wind, so the priority is to stay organised and protect our position before the race becomes more selective. The team time trial will also be important; it requires commitment from everyone and sets the platform for the second half of the race.
Lenny has shown very good condition recently. He has matured as a rider since last season and understands better how to manage these stage races. There are several stages that suit him well, particularly from midweek onwards. The uphill finish on Stage 4 fits his characteristics, and of course we return to Auron, where he performed strongly last year. Damiano Caruso will play an important role as road captain. His experience is valuable in a race like Paris–Nice, where positioning and timing are crucial, and he will be close to Lenny throughout the week.”
Due to local elections in France, the final stage will not finish on the Promenade des Anglais as in previous editions. Instead, the race will conclude on a revised circuit around Nice, incorporating additional climbs compared to recent years.
