Dan Martin looking focussed in the sunshine at the Tour of Beijing
By Graham Healy
Daniel Martin (Garmin-Sharp) had a successful day at the Tour of Beijing today, Wednesday, as he took over the lead in the King of the Mountains competition.
Today’s short 126-kilometre stage from the Bird’s Nest Stadium to Men Tou Gou included three categorised climbs. The stage was originally 134 kilometres with an extra climb, but had to be shortened due to a landslide.
As an early breakaway was brought back on the first climb, the Irishman managed to stay with the first group as the peloton split. His team mate, Ryder Hesjedal also managed to make it into this lead group.
Martin claimed maximum points on the first two climbs, but was just behind the five leaders going over the top of the last climb, so missed out on any points there. However, he had done enough to claim the climber’s jersey.
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His namesake and last year’s winner, Tony Martin (Omega Pharma – Quick Step) attacked on the descent, with a chase group forming behind which included the Irishman. The defending champion quickly built a lead, and despite their best efforts the chasers were unable to make any inroads.
Former Rás winner Tony Martin held on for the win, whilst Dan Martin was 6th, some 46 seconds behind. He has now moved up to 6th place overall. Yesterday’s opener ended in a bunch sprint.
Tomorrow’s third stage from Men Tou Gou to Badaling Great Wall is similar to the stage last year where Nicolas Roche claimed his stage win in a narrow sprint victory ahead of Philip Deignan. Martin will hope to consolidate his lead in the mountains competition, and may have a chance of a stage win, as the stage finishes with a 1-km climb up to the Great Wall.
The race ends on Saturday, but it seems that it will be a big ask for anyone to compete with Tony Martin for the overall win, as he now has a commanding lead and seems to be in great form.
Tour of Beijing; Stage 2
| Position | Rider / Team | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tony Martin (Ger) Omega Pharma-Quickstep | 2:53:05 | |
| 2 | Francesco Gavazzi (Ita) Astana Pro Team | 0:00:46 | |
| 3 | Eros Capecchi (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale | ||
| 4 | Rinaldo Nocentini (Ita) AG2R La Mondiale | ||
| 5 | Tomasz Marczynski (Pol) Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team | ||
| 6 | Daniel Martin (Irl) Garmin - Sharp | ||
| 7 | Tom Jelte Slagter (Ned) Rabobank Cycling Team | ||
| 8 | Rafal Majka (Pol) Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank | ||
| 9 | David Tanner (Aus) Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank | 0:00:50 | |
| 10 | Simon Clarke (Aus) Orica GreenEdge Cycling Team |
General Classification
| Position | Rider / Team | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tony Martin (Ger) Omega Pharma-Quickstep | 5:30:44 | |
| 2 | Francesco Gavazzi (Ita) Astana Pro Team | 0:00:50 | |
| 3 | Eros Capecchi (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale | 0:00:52 | |
| 4 | Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Procycling | 0:00:56 | |
| 5 | Rinaldo Nocentini (Ita) AG2R La Mondiale | ||
| 6 | Daniel Martin (Irl) Garmin - Sharp | ||
| 7 | Tomasz Marczynski (Pol) Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team | ||
| 8 | Rafal Majka (Pol) Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank | ||
| 9 | Tim Wellens (Bel) Lotto Belisol Team | 0:01:00 | |
| 10 | Rui Alberto Faria Da Costa (Por) Movistar Team |
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