Time trial gold in London Olympics next big goal
Tony Martin, fresh off his time trial win at the World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, has decided to fully concentrate on professional cycling. Martin has decided to not return to his job as police officer, where he has finished his education. He wants to fully concentrate on the Olympic Games in 2012 in London.
Martin does not mind of having the pressure. “It helps me to give my full potential,” he told Bild am Sonntag. After the end of the HTC Highroad team, Martin decided to join the Quick Step team. “There I will have the opportunity to get the time trial machine further developed, which is probably already one of the fastest in the world. That is the best way to get my goal, a time trial gold in 2012, accomplished.”
Martin chose to become a police officer while preparing to turn professional, which is a smart move. As a young rider, things may not always work out as planned and having a Plan B for the future is a good option. As a successful professional, he no longer needs the safety. “I returned the job that I was entitled to after the education. I did not want to block it for someone who will then become unemployed.”
In Copenhagen, his girlfriend was unable to attend and even missed the time trial as she had nursing school. “My mother told her and she was blown away.” Martin’s mother at least was there with her boyfriend. “It is great to have that support, especially in times when things aren’t going so well.”
Martin has won time trials in the Critérium du Dauphiné, the Tour de France and the Vuelta this year. After his time trial win in Copenhagen he also rode the road race, but didn’t make the front group. Nonetheless, the German managed to snag a bronze medal through André Greipel and overall the team can return happily from Denmark, with two gold and two bronze medals.