Tour de force from magical Martin

Dan Martin ended Ireland’s 21-year wait for a stage win at the Tour de France yesterday when he blasted to a stunning win in Bagnères-de-Bigorre following the most gruelling day of this year’s race so far.

The Garmin-SHARP professional outsprinted Astana leader Jakob Fuglsang after both men managed to avoid being caught by the chasing group of favourites on a long downhill run to the finish line.

The move was sparked when Martin danced away from the overall favourites on the day’s final climb, taking the Dane for company. Both men worked well together on the 30-kilometre descent into Bagnères-de-Bigorre, but Martin had the quickest gallop and the Irishman crossed the line first to take a famous victory.