17-06-2008 22:13:50

Talented young German rider Tony Martin blasted to an unexpected but nonetheless welcome win in the six kilometer prologue of the Ster Elektrotoer stage race on Tuesday.

Averaging an impressive 52 kilometers an hour for the short but highly technical course in Schijndel, Holland Martin started mid-way through the field. 23-year-old Martin had to wait for over two hours whilst all the other riders finished before he was finally confirmed as the winner - by a mere two second margin over Russian Nikolay Trusov.

Martin said he was delighted but surprised to have taken the five-day stage race’s opening time trial.

“I’m pleased that I managed to achieve this win because I haven’t raced since the Tour of Italy finished over two and a half weeks ago. That’s a long gap and I truly wasn’t expecting this.”

“When I set the best time I was pleased, but not nervous, because there wasn’t much point. I had no idea what was going to happen, with so many riders still due to come in.”

Adding to Martin’s pleasure was the fact that the course “didn’t suit me at all, being so technical.”

“But I went round it four times on my bike before the actual prologue itself, and that helped a great deal to work out how to tackle it best.”

“For the actual ride itself, there were no tactics, it was just a question of going full gas, remembering what was coming up, concentrating hard and hoping I would do ok.”

On Wednesday the Ster Elektrotoer heads for the rolling terrain of southern Holland, with a hilltop finish on the Valkenberg climb. It’s a different challenge, but Martin is optimistic about his chances.

“I’m feeling very confident, and the team will do their best there. The great news is that we’re not under pressure in this race, so we won’t be getting too nervous - and when you’re relaxed you tend to win more!”

Southern Holland is also where Martin and team-mate Adam Hansen won the rain lashed Hel Van Het Mergelland one-day race this April, in an epic two rider day-long break.

“I know the terrain and I know the climbs. That’s always a plus, too.” Martin added. “And having won in the region beforehand is always good for your morale - you’ve got the good memories to help you keep going.”