Tony Martin (Etixx-Quickstep/Germany)
Tony Martin (Etixx-Quickstep/Germany)
Tony Martin’s name has been touted for the hour record ever since Fabian Cancellara first made public his own interest in an attempt.
And while the German is yet to publicly confirm his interest, he is one rider fans are eager to see take on the prestigious challenge in the near future.
A stunning 2014 season highlighted just why Martin is considered such a phenomenal talent with breakaway victories and a string of time trial successes to add to his palmares.
Only Sir Bradley Wiggins went quicker in the world time trial in Ponferrada, ending a run of three straight world titles for the German, but his credentials remain undoubted.
On top form, Martin has the power, resilience and grit to smash the hour record – albeit without the same track cycling pedigree as the likes of Wiggins.
He has proved himself both pulling on the front of the peloton, leading out the Omega Pharma-Quickstep sprint train, smashing it in a solo break and as a time trial master.
Martin is one rider who could smash the existing hour record mark and if both he and Wiggins were to make attempts then it would setup a tantilising and intriguing contest.
Hour record credentials
Palmares: Three-time former world time trial champion, won nine individual stages/races in 2014 including seven time trials.
Likelihood of attempt: 6/10
Chances of record: 9.5/10