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."
Team Barloworld's Geraint Thomas finished third. Thomas, being a track-pursuit specialist, did an impressive performance
in the short TT, but unluckily he was forced to lose some seconds because of the out-road in the last 2km. The inconvenience
interrupted his pace and probably Thomas could have won the race indeed if it was not for his bad luck.
"Thomas was really strong today - stated Barloworld's sports director Alberto Volpi - and deserved the win. It's
a pity that he had to lose time because of this out-road".
Team CSC Saxo Bank's Australian Bradley McGee finished
in fourth place.
It was McGee's first race after having fractured his collarbone in Giro d'Italia a month ago.
"Bradley
was happy with the outcome. He was with us in the training camp in Luxembourg last week and today he confirmed that he's back
in shape. Michael Blaudzun also did well today even though he's better in the long time trials. There's a great atmosphere
amongst the riders here – everyone's top motivated to get a good result," said Team CSC Saxo Bank sports director Dan
Frost.
