Time trial world champion Tony Martin (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) powers to the finish line in Mont-Saint-Michel (Image credit: AFP)
Tony Martin (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) confirmed his status as world time trial champion and best rider in the world against the clock by dominating the Chrono des Nations event in the Vendee region of South-western France.
The German again powered round his famous 58 tooth chain ring despite the windy conditions, setting a time of 1:10:48 for the 57km course.
Gustav Larsson (IAM Cycling) finished second, 14 seconds slower, with Sylvain Chavanel taking third at 45 seconds in his final race for Omega Pharma-Quick Step. Marco Pinotti (BMC) ended his professional career wearing the Italian national time trial champion’s jersey and finished fourth at one minute.
It was Martin’s third consecutive victory in the Chrono des Nations and celebrated by showing three fingers as he stopped the clock. Eddy Merckx was the special guest at the race and congratulated all the winners on the podium.
Hanna Solovey of the Ukraine won the women’s event, despite having to stop for a bike change. The USA’s Alison (Exergy Twenty 16) finished 43 seconds slower, with Elisa Longo Borghini (Hitec) third at 59 seconds. Amber Neben of the USA was sixth at 1:31.
Ryan Mullen (IG Sigma Sport) won the Espoirs race in a time of 53:27 for the 43.35km course. French riders Bruno Armirail and Alexis Guerin finished second and third at 1:16 and 1:48.
Full Results
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the Cyclingnews team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at Cyclingnews. He has previously worked for Shift Active Media, Reuters and Cycling Weekly. He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).
