Norwegian Tobias Håland Johannsen raised his fist in celebration of victory at the finish line of the Classic Var cycling race held today, Friday, in southern France, but he received a shock when he discovered that he had celebrated too early after Lenny Martinez snatched the win from him by crossing the finish line ahead.
The one-day race concluded at the summit of Mont Faron, where Johannsen was part of the leading group consisting of six riders during the final climb, before Romain Bardet launched himself in pursuit of the win. Johannsen was the only one to keep his pace, and when he passed Bardet near the finish line, he seemed on his way to triumph.
Johannsen slowed his pace at the final turn, unaware that Martinez was still surging strongly behind him. Martinez refused to give up as Johannsen surged ahead, passing Bardet before overtaking the Norwegian at the finish line. Johannsen could only raise his hand again in disbelief at what had happened after Frenchman Martinez, competing for the Groupama-FDJ team, claimed victory in the race.
