Tony Martin, the world time trial champion, has been released from hospital after a road accident yesterday left him with facial injuries and fractures to his left arm and shoulder blade.

The Omega Pharma-QuickStep star, winner of last year’s Paris-Nice, did not require surgery and was released this morning from hospital in Munsterlingen, Switzerland.

Martin had been knocked unconscious by an accident in which a team spokesman said Martin had “hit a car with his bike” near his home.

“My feeling today is much better than the last two days,” Martin said. “I am happy that the fractures won’t need surgery. I’m at home now. For me it’s really important.

“The day of the accident I was thinking – why has this happened to me? – but now I have to say I was lucky, it could have been much worse.”

Martin’s return to training will be governed by the speed of  his recovery.

“I had a great medical staff around me. I would like to thank all the medical staff for their great job and the team medical staff,” he said.

“My family was always with me and I felt the affection of many people close to me.

“My first objective now is to take all the time necessary to heal well. I thank all those who with their messages gave me a support in these difficult days. I really appreciate them.”