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Martin Doubles Down in China with Stage-Win, Leader's Jersey

Oct 20, 2009
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<p>Specialized's German ace Tony Martin (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) proved he's more than a time trial specialist in a daring raid that earned the stage victory and the leader's jersey in Wednesday's second stage at the Tour of Beijing.</p><p>
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Martin rode aggressively in the 126km, three-climb stage, attacking hard over the day's final climb to drop a seven-man group and then turned on his trademark power to drive home an impressive road victory as well as earning the leader's jersey.</p><p>
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"I really didn't think I could win today, so it was a nice surprise," Martin said. "I trained hard after the world championship to be ready for this race. I love racing in China and today the legs felt great. I knew I had to try."</p><p>
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Martin won last year's debut edition of the five-day Tour of Beijing thanks to his time trialing prowess on his Shiv TT, which has earned him back-to-back world time trial crowns.</p><p>
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On Wednesday's challenging stage across the Xi Mountains west of Beijing, Martin reminded everyone he can also put down some impressive attacking as well.</p><p>
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He jumped clear over the summit of a second-category climb and then turned on the after-burners with 25km to go to win 46 seconds clear of the chasers. Martin was jubilant with the victory and, with time bonuses, he carries a 50-second lead into Wednesday's hilltop finish at Badaling.</p><p>
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"Tomorrow's stage is not very difficult and now with almost a minute, I know I can ride to defend my jersey. My team is motivated to help me win here again," Martin said. "I would really like to win here again. I don't know why, but I really enjoy racing in China. I had a great</p><p>
time here last year. The roads are great, the weather is fine, the fans are cheering us on. You can really see that cycling is growing in China."</p><p>
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Wednesday's 162.5km third stage traces the same climbs from Tuesday, but in the opposite direction, before climbing the third-category hill to the Badaling summit. With the ramparts of the Great Wall of China straddling the same finish line from the 2008 Olympic Games road race, the stage should deliver some fireworks.</p><p>
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Specialized's Rafal Majka (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) rode into the best young rider's jersey after finishing an impressive eighth in the stage in the front group at 46 seconds back.</p>

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