Silver for Wiggins as Martin reigns supreme

The German was the class of the field over the 46.4-kilometre course, setting the fastest time at each split to triumph in a time of 53 minutes 43.85 seconds and claim his first world title.

For Wiggins, 31, it was his first world road racing medal, having previously tasted success at the track equivalent. The British champion eventually held off Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland for the silver, but was one minute 15.83 seconds down on Martin.

Cancellara had looked set to claim the runner-up spot but he was delayed after overshooting a corner towards the end of the course, almost coming to grief against a barrier, allowing Wiggins to get the better of him by less than five seconds.

“This is what it was all about – come here, get a medal and finish off a great year,” Wiggins, who broke his collarbone during the Tour de France in July, said. “It was a real honour to be out there with those two guys [Martin and Cancellara], who are probably the best two time-triallists in the world.

“I feel sorry for Fabian in a way – he has dominated this event the last few years – and Tony has worked hard to get up there close to him. He has finally cracked it and won by a significant margin.

“I’ve been there or thereabouts in time trials all year and we’ve probably been the most consistent three time-triallists. It’s good to finish off with a medal, up there with those two.”

While defending champion Cancellara saw his crown slip away, there was also disappointment for Wiggins’ GB team-mate David Millar. The Scot, last year’s silver medallist, could only manage seventh place, over two-and-a-half minutes down on Martin’s superb time.

Wiggins and Millar will next ride in Sunday’s road race as part of a strong British line-up, with hopes high that Millar can get away from the pack in a breakaway or Tour de France green jersey winner Mark Cavendish can emerge victorious on the flat course that is expected to suit his trademark powerful sprint finish.