Tony Martin takes 7th national elite TT championship 

The 48km windy course in Chemnitz provided a worthy challenge for Team KATUSHA ALPECIN’S Tony Martin, but the German champion was up for a repeat performance and claimed his sixth consecutive and seventh career national time trial championship on Friday.

"The parcours and especially the distance of 48 kilometers was not easy for me today, especially mentally. Jasha Sütterlin did a great job. I'm glad to have the title again," said Tony Martin.

Joining Martin on the podium was teammate Nils Politt in the bronze position behind Jasha Sütterlin wearing the silver medal.

"Everyone can understand that my focus is on next Saturday. I do not need to worry about my form; everything is going according to plan. My body feels great. Now I am looking forward to a short relaxing time at home with my family before traveling on Tuesday to Düsseldorf," concluded Martin.

Next Saturday the 104th Tour de France begins in Düsseldorf with a 14km opening time trial and has long been a goal for Martin. As part of the 9-man team racing for Team KATUSHA ALPECIN, Martin will aim for the win and first yellow jersey in stage 1.