His heartbreaking solo bid for victory at last year’s Vuelta a Espana, with the peloton bearing down upon him and catching him just shy of the finish line, will live long in the memory.
But Tony Martin (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) was back in his element on stage two of the Tour of the Basque Country, joining a fiercely strong break and attacking from it to earn a solo stage win.
The role of team-mate Jan Bakelants should also not be understated, with his unwavering support in the break proving a vital part of the German’s win.
And while Martin – haunched over his handlebars, tongue out, pressed low on the frame of his bike – time trialled to victory and took the headlines, Ben Swift (Team Sky) has every reason to be pleased with second place.
Read on for our five observations from stage two of the Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco, and add your own in the RCUK Forum.
