Share

Martin eyeing glory at worlds

Richmond - Tony Martin is preparing for a record-equalling tilt at glory as the World Road Cycling Championships get under way this weekend, two months after he crashed out of the Tour de France with a broken collarbone.

The 30-year-old Etixx Quick Step rider, seeks his fourth individual time trial title in five years, which would equal the all-time mark set by Swiss star Fabian Cancellara, who took four of five between 2006 and 2010.

Martin's reign began in 2011 and lasted until he finished second last year to Britain's Bradley Wiggins, who has retired from road events.

In July, Martin took the yellow jersey in the Tour de France but crashed out in stage six. But last month, he won the Tour de Poitou-Charentes, a signal he was back on form.

"I'm happy to be here after my crash on the Tour de France," Martin said. "I'm looking forward to racing," the German star added.

Martin must wait until Wednesday for the individual men's time trial but his first race will come in Sunday's six-rider team time trials, where the 2012 and 2013 champions - including defending world road race champion Michal Kwiatkowski of Poland -- will try to reclaim the title from defending champions BMC Racing, with Australia-backed ORICAGreen Edge hoping to advance from runner-up efforts the past two years.

"I saw the course on Sunday and I have to say it will be pretty fast," Quick Step sport director Tom Steels said.

"It will be fast until the last climb, which is more or less in the last kilometre. It will be a tough finale. It will be really close among the teams."

BMC boasts Aussie veteran Rohan Dennis and US standout Taylor Phinney while Green Edge offers Aussies Luke Durbridge and Michael Hepburn plus Canada's Svein Tuft.

In the individual time trial, Martin faces a challenge from Movistar riders Adriano Malori of Italy and Jonathan Castroviejo of Spain - both national champions - plus Dennis and Dutchman Tom Dumoulin, third last year.

Germany's Lisa Brennauer, the 27-year-old defending women's individual time trial champion, will lead Velocio SRAM into a quest for a fourth consecutive women's team time trial crown on Sunday.

The former Specialized lululemon squad also includes German Trixi Worrack, seeking her fourth team time trial gold in a row, and Canada's Karol-Ann Canuel.

They will be tested by three-time podium finisher Orica AIS, an Aussie-powered line up with Amanda Spratt back from the past two years that also features Sweden's Emma Johansson, second in the 2013 women's road race and third last year, and Oceania time trial champion Katrin Garfoot.

"The group has a great feel about it and I think they can surprise themselves this weekend with the ride they are capable of putting together," said sport director Gene Bates.

Johansson and Dutch rider Ellen van Dijk should challenge Brennauer in Tuesday's women's individual time trials with Americans Evelyn Stevens and Kristen Armstrong threats as well.

 

Armstrong, 42, is the two-time reigning Olympic champion coming back from starting a family to compete. She won the rainbow jersey in the individual time trials in 2006 and 2009.

The road races will be staged September 26-27 with the men's 259.2km layout offering no tough climbs but some cobblestones that could be costly for the careless.

Slovakian Peter Sagan, hurt in the Vuelta a Espana, has a course that could favour if he's healthy. Britain's Mark Cavendish is another contender with health issues.

Kwiatkowski will be in the hunt to defend while Norway's Alexander Kristoff, German John Degenkolb and Belgian former winner Philippe Gilbert and countryman Greg van Avermaet are also drawing attention.

And Spain's Alejandro Valverde, the 2003 and 2005 runner-up who was third in the world road race each of the past three years, lurks as a threat to break through.

Britain's Lizzie Armitstead is expected to join Brennauer and Johansson as top challenges to defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prevot for the women's road race crown.

It's only the second US staging of the event, some 29 years after it was held in Colorado Springs. More than 1 000 riders from 70 nations will compete.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE