They call him the Panzerwagen, and there was little to stop world time trial champion, Tony Martin, from demolishing the field on stage 20 of the 2014 Tour de France.
Clearly discontented by the inclusion of just one time trial in this 101st edition of cycling’s greatest race, the Omega Pharma-Quick-Step star had already created one of his own by winning stage nine with a crushing display of solo riding. No one, it seemed, had told him it was a road stage.
Reassured by the appearance of a start ramp at the beginning of Saturday’s 54km run from Bergerac to Périgueux, and by a regular succession of two-minute men to pass, Martin wasted little time in adding a second stage victory to a Tour campaign he would later describe as “perfect”.
Fastest at both intermediate check points and fastest of all by the end of the 54km run from Bergerac to Périgueux, a victory achieved with an eye-watering 58-11 gear, the manner of Martin’s victory was truly impressive.
His closest rivals in the time trial in recent years, four-time world champion, Fabian Cancellara (Trek), and Olympic champion, Sir Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky) were both absent, but it’s unlikely that the presence of either would have altered the result.
Official UCI WorldTour photographer, Stefano Sirotti, was on hand to shoot these striking images of Martin’s latest, emphatic victory.
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The Panzerwagen
Tony Martin crushed his opposition with a hugely impressive ride to victory in the stage 20 time trial. pic: ©Sirotti
Consolation prize
Thibaut Pinot rode valiantly on stage 20, but lost second place overall to countryman, Jean-Christophe Péraud. His not insignificant consolation prizes are the white jersey of best young rider and a likely podium finish in Paris. pic: ©Sirotti
Float like a butterfly...
Dutch time trial champion, Tom Dumoulin, 'The Butterfly of Maastricht', produced an impressive ride to finish second on stage 20. pic: ©Sirotti
So close, and yet...
Alejandro Valverde may now miss out on a podium appearance in Paris after finishing in 28th position on the penultimate stage time trial. The Spaniard looks likely now to finish the 2014 Tour de France in fourth place overall. pic: ©Sirotti
Champion in waiting
Vincenzo Nibali had nothing to prove on stage 20, but finished fourth to cement a dominant campaign at the 101st Tour de France. pic: ©Sirotti
To the victor, the spoils
Martin tastes success for the second time this Tour, having already won stage nine with another solo effort. pic: ©Sirotti
Mr Speaker
Nibali addresses the press for the final time before his now almost certain coronation in Paris as winner of the 101st Tour de France. pic: ©Sirotti
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