'Far from comfortable' - Honest Martin-Guyonnet opens up on confidence struggles after Vuelta crash

Guillaume Martin-Guyonnet (Groupama-FDJ) has opened up about his mental and physical struggles from a crash at the Vuelta a España in August. Having arrived fresh off finishing 16th at the Tour de France, Martin-Guyonnet crashed out on a descent on the second stage of the Vuelta, before the race even reached Spain. 

Beyond the significant injuries that he suffered, including fracturing two vertebrae, it was a rare moment for Martin-Guyonnet, who hadn’t failed to finish a race since the French national championships in June 2023, a testament to his consistency and resilience.

Despite fracturing two vertebrae, Martin recovered quickly to return to racing in October at the Italian one-day races, including Il Lombardia, which he didn’t finish. This was something the Frenchman was realistic about when speaking to DirectVelo. "I may be a fighter, but it was not possible to finish this Lombardy," said Martin-Guyonnet.

The 32-year-old also admitted that the Vuelta crash took a significant toll on him, not just physically, with two fractured vertebrae, but mentally, impacting his confidence on some of the wet, tricky descents in Lombardy.

"I was marked physically but also psychologically," said Martin-Guyonnet, who also stated he felt "far from comfortable” on the descents.

Despite his compromised condition, Martin-Guyonnet felt it was important to compete in the Italian Autumn races. "It gave me a goal, it motivated me to go riding. I am not at an exceptional level, but at least I have taken over a classic calendar with a cut in the same tempo as everyone else. I don't have to resume training very early in the winter. In which case, winter can be very long," he said.

Reflecting on his 2025 season, the philosophical climber was candid about his disappointment, "I feel like I've rarely been operational." Early-season knee pain, followed by iron deficiency during the Tour de France, where he finished 16th, and finally the vertebrae fractures at the Vuelta, all hindered his ability to perform at his best in the Frenchman’s view.

Despite his general disappointment over the recent difficult months, his spring yielded some success with victories at the Classic Grand Besançon Doubs and Tour du Jura, the 10th and 11th victories of his professional career.

"Fortunately, there are these two victories in Franche-Comté. There have been some beautiful things during this period. That's where I rode best," said Martin-Guyonnet.

The Frenchman was also appreciative of his successful integration into Groupama-FDJ, having transferred from fellow French team, Cofidis, for the 2025 season. "I am happy with this change and the way I was welcomed. I feel good in the team. When I fell, I felt really supported, while it's easy to be a little on the sidelines in those moments."

Looking ahead to 2026, the Frenchman is considering a debut appearance at the Tour Down Under in January. "I want to discover Australia once. It is to be confirmed in the next few days but it is very possible that I will go there to do it at least once," said the Frenchman.

While open to new experiences, Martin-Guyonnet remains committed to his regular objectives, in particular the Tour de France, his home race, where he has finished in the top 10 twice in 2021 and 2023. "There are passages that I care about, such as the Tour de France or Liège. In 2026, I especially hope to find a level that I haven't had since spring,” said Martin-Guyonnet.