2010 Tour of Switzerland: Tony Martin and Frank Schleck return happy
Team HTC-Columbia has another reason to celebrate now and so does team rider Tony Martin who was able to win in the final time trial of the Tour of Switzerland on the 20th of June. The jubilant rider after the race was delighted as he commented that the day had been full of surprises for him. Tony Martin expressed that he had tried to cycle fast than he could have, which was why came out as the winner.
The race was staged amidst the chilled breeze and frosty showers. Switzerland’s weather was very cold during the tour as it rained almost for the entire week. The hilly track had offered some really cold hard days to the riders.
After the race finished, Martin talked to reports explaining that there were moments when he thought that his chances were very dim, especially after the rain when the track became really difficult. However, he added that his motivation had been the major reason for his win. Martin said that he kept fighting against all odds and it was the second half of the stage where he was actually successful in gaining momentum against his rivals.
Martin had shown himself to be in great form since the beginning of the year. He had already been the winner of the Tour of California earlier this year, which has a course much similar to that of Switzerland. Both races do not encompass many corners or big roads, so one does not need to brake or accelerate too hard but keep the speed at a nice steady pace. Martin told that these track characteristics have suited him in California and Switzerland has remained the same as well.
Martin would be taking part in the German National Time Trial Championships, which is scheduled for the upcoming week. With his current form and a hand full of successes, he feels very optimistic and is looking forwards to having an excellent finish in the season. He says that the past two victories have added to his confidence which is going to help him during the next race.
The final day track enveloped a total distance of 26.9 kilometres which Martin finished seventeen seconds before his Swiss rival Fabian Cancellara, who came in at the second position. The third place was occupied by David Zabriskie.
Fabian Cancellara, who finished second at the time trial is also an Olympic time trial champion and finished twenty nine seconds ahead of American rider David Zabriskie.
Jacob Fuglsang of Denmark, cycling for the team Saxo Bank finished third overall. On the other hand, previous race leader Robert Gesink from the Netherlands came down to fifth place in the overall standings.
The overall victory of the race had been grabbed by Frank Schleck of the Saxo Bank Team. Schleck took off with the fourth place at the start of the day, whereas he concluded the day at thirteenth place in the time trial. Lance Armstrong finished the time trail at the twelfth place, five seconds earlier than the race winner.
As the race ended, Schleck said that he had been surprised by his performance during the day as he had never been a time trial specialist. However, he added that before the race began, his brother Andy had worked hard with him in order to improve the time trials and now he thinks that their hard work has paid off.
As the cyclists pack off from Switzerland, many are looking forward for the next German National Time Trial Championships. For the others, the Tour de France stands as the biggest challenge ahead. Meanwhile, for cycle race lovers, the show must go on wherever the cycles head for in the coming days.
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