Wednesday August 1, 2012
FOR world time trial champion Tony Martin, bidding for Olympic gold risks being a painful experience – especially with the prospect of a Bradley Wiggins triumph lurking in the background.
German specialist Martin succeeded four-time world champion Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland in Copenhagen last year to claim a first, coveted rainbow jersey in the race against the clock.
In normal circumstances the 27-year-old from Cottbus would start the 44km time trial around Hampton Court Palace today virtually assured of a medal.
All set: Bradley Wiggins is Britain’s best chance of
winning gold in the 44km time trial which starts
today. — AFP
But more crash misfortune, and the emergence of Wiggins, has left Martin less sure of his chances.
“There’s just one name and it’s Bradley Wiggins. He’s the one to beat,” said Martin.
While the 2012 Tour de France smiled kindly on Wiggins, who brought home an historic yellow jersey, it was less happy for Martin.
Having just recovered from facial fractures suffered in a training ride crash with a car in April, Martin suffered a fractured scaphoid bone in his wrist during a crash on the first stage of the Tour.
The German battled on, but pulled out on the race’s first rest day after finishing over two minutes behind Wiggins in the stage nine time trial.
Like Cancellara, who only confirmed his participation on Monday following a crash in the men’s road race, Martin is still in pain.
Wiggins, meanwhile, is confident of winning a fourth Olympic gold but his first on the road having won three from the pursuit events in his previous life as a track cyclist.
“I’ve also got a chance to go for my fourth gold medal in the time trial,” said the Briton, a month before his triumphant Tour campaign.
Winning a fourth gold would put Wiggins on an Olympic medal tally of seven – more than any other British Olympian. Former rower Sir Steve Redgrave has six, including five golds. — AFP