His hopes of a high overall placing didn’t translate into results during this year’s Tour de France, but Tony Martin believes he has a chance to end his race on a high in today’s final time trial. Last month the HTC Highroad rider won a race held on the same course in the Critérium du Dauphiné, beating Britain’s Bradley Wiggins (Sky Procycling) by eleven seconds and Edvald Boasson Hagen by 43.
He will be up against more big name riders today, but is psyched for a strong ride. “I am really motivated for the time trial and feel I can do a good race,” he told VeloNation yesterday.
He will have an advantage over many of the other riders, having chosen the Dauphiné rather than the Tour de Suisse and thus covering the course in competition. “It is not too bad,” he said, assessing the parcours. “It is really hard but also you have long descents where you can rest a little bit. I think it is not too bad for me.”
As ever, Fabian Cancellara (Leopard Trek) will be one of his big opponents. The two have been up against each other in the past, with Cancellara tending to get the upper hand, but Martin being one of the few riders who has defeated the world champion. He also mentions Cadel Evans as one of the threats. “These guys will be really motivated,” he said. “I also have a good chance to do a good ride there.”