Time trial world champion Tony Martin proved he not only is healthy, but also in very good form after his bike/car accident on April 11th.
Martin passed multiple riders on course in the 20.5km Ronde van België Time Trial on Saturday, winning with a time of 24'04". He finished 46 seconds faster than Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil-DCM), in 2nd place. Niki Terpstra also had a fantastic day on course for Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team, taking 3rd, 52" back from Martin. Guillaume Van Keirsbulck (+1'23") was 10th, putting three riders in the top 10.
"I am happy to have won the first of the year," Martin said. "It took a while but now I'm satisfied. It was hard a windy time trial, maybe not one of the best of my career but it was important to break the ice. We have a really strong team. We will try to fight for the GC tomorrow. There are a few guys we have to watch. Tomorrow it will be a battle. It's a hard stage, but I feel very good and I will try for it, sorrounded by a great team able to ride without fear in the wind. The guys here know every meter of tomorrow's race and they are really motivated."
Martin now wears the red jersey, leading the GC. Terpstra is 3rd, Van Keirsbulck 10th. This is the 33rd victory for Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team in three disciplines, and the first for Martin this season.
"It was my goal to make a good race here in Belgium and so far I did what I was expecting from myself," Martin said. "It's a pleasure to return to victory in Belgium in front of such a great crowd."
