Tony Martin rules final time trial to take overall in Volta ao Algarve
German time trial specialist wins finale by more than a minute to take the overall for a second time
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
TAVIRA, Portugal (VN) —Tony Martin (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) collected his second overall victory at the Volta ao Algarve on Sunday after dominating the final time trial.
The 27-year-old German, world time trial champion in 2011 and 2012, covered the 34.8km between Castro Marim and Tavira more than a minute faster than teammate Michal Kwiatkowski, with Jesse Sergent (RadioShack-Leopard) third at 1:15.
Martin first won here in 2011 and was among the favorites for the 39th edition of the event. Kwiatkowski finished second overall while Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil-DCM) took third.
Sergio Henao (Sky), who led going into the finale, could manage only 14th on the day, 3:15 down, and slid to 12th overall at 2:47.
“I am really happy,” Martin said. “I was really looking to have a good day, and I had a good feeling immediately this morning during the reconnaissance.
“The parcour was really hard, with a lot of technical parts and little climbs where it was necessary to relaunch the action every time. Fortunately, it didn’t rain during the TT. It rained a little bit before, but it stopped before so we had good conditions on the course during the TT. I really pushed a lot, and everything was perfect.”
Martin said he was in better condition than at this time last year, which let him stay in striking distance during Saturday’s crucial stage to Alto do Malhao.
“I knew it was possible to not lose a lot of time from the best climbers, and my team and I made sure of it,” he said. “I have to say this kind of race, with an uphill finish, a TT, and sprint stages in the beginning is perfect for me. It’s the kind of race I like and I am always looking for.”
