Wiggins – the man to beat at time trial race

For world time trial champion Tony Martin, bidding for Olympic gold risks being a painful experience – especially with the prospect of a Bradley Wiggins triumph lurking in the background.

German specialist Martin succeeded four-time world champion Fabian Cancellara, of Switzerland, in Copenhagen last year to claim a first, coveted rainbow jersey in the race against the clock.

In normal circumstances the 27-year-old from Cottbus would start the 44km time trial around Hampton Court Palace today virtually assured of a medal.

But more crash misfortune, and the emergence of Wiggins, has left Martin less sure of his chances.

“There’s just one name and it’s Bradley Wiggins. He’s the one to beat,” said Martin.

While the 2012 Tour de France smiled kindly on Wiggins, it was less happy for Martin.

Having just recovered from facial fractures suffered in a training ride crash with a car in April, Martin suffered a fractured wrist during a crash on the first stage of the Tour.

Like Cancellara, who only confirmed his participation on Monday following a crash in the men’s road race, Martin is still in pain.

He hopes adopting the time trial position with his forearms taking the pressure of his body leaning forward won’t leave him in pain on the course’s “quite bad” road surface.

“The surface of the road on the course is quite bad but I don’t think that’s too big a problem, because I’m leaning forward and will be resting on my arms,” Martin added.

After Wiggins cruised triumphantly over distances of 41.5 km and 53.5 km to win twice on the Tour, Martin’s confidence is subdued.

“My goal for Wednesday is still a medal. I still hope for gold, but I don’t have much hope left,” he added.

Wiggins, meanwhile, is confident of winning a fourth Olympic gold but his first on the road having won three from the pursuit events in his previous life as a track cyclist.

Winning a fourth gold would put him on an Olympic medal tally of seven – more than any other British Olympian. Former rower Steve Redgrave has six, including five golds.