Tony Martin, Amber Neben win 2011 Chrono des Nations

LES HERBIERS, France (AFP) — HTC-Highroad teammates Tony Martin and Amber Neben powered to victory in the 30th edition of the Chrono des Nations time trial on Sunday.

Martin, who upstaged Olympic champion Fabian Cancellara to win the world time trial title in Copenhagen last month, was the first world champion to compete in the season-ending race against the clock since Michael Rogers in 2005.

And the German showed that his worlds form is still brimming over by covering the 48.5km course in 56 minutes, 20.84 seconds, smashing David Millar’s record of 58:53.27 set in 2010.

Gustav Larsson (Saxo Bank-Sungard) was second in 58:23, with Alex Dowsett (Sky) third in 59:10. Millar (Garmin-Cervélo) had to settle for fifth place in 1:00:11.

In the women’s event, former world champ Neben beat compatriot Kristin Armstrong (Peanut Butter & Co.-Twenty12), herself a former rainbow jersey and the reigning Olympic champion. Olga Zabelinkskaya finished third.

Neben succeeded French legend Jeannie Longo, who finished in eighth place.

“This was a great way for me to end the season,” said Neben. “It was one last, important time trial, and I was motivated to do well. It was difficult to race in October, three weeks after worlds, but it was definitely worth the effort and the crazy travel. It means a lot to win. I am happy and looking forward to some rest.”

Quick results
Men

• 1. Tony Martin (Ger), HTC-Highroad, 56:20
• 2. Gustav Larsson (Swe), Saxo Bank-Sungard, at 2:03
• 3. Alex Dowsett (Gbr), Team Sky, at 2:50
• 4. Stef Clement (Ned), Rabobank Cycling Team, at 3:20
• 5. David Millar (Gbr), Garmin-Cervélo, at 3:51

Complete men’s results

Women

• 1. Amber NEBEN, Usa, in 27:58
• 2. Kristin ARMSTRONG, Usa, at 9
• 3. Olga ZABELINSKAYA, Rus, at 1:03
• 4. Tatiana ANTOSHINA, Rus, at 1:07
• 5. Pia SUNDSTEDT, Fin, at 1:15

Complete women’s results