Martin gearing up for twin-pronged assault

Ireland’s Dan Martin stepped up his preparations for the upcoming Vuelta A Espana and next month’s World Championships with a solid result in his main build-up race last night.

The Garmin-SHARP rider was 28th on the opening stage of the five-day Tour de l’Ain in France, coming home 16 seconds behind stage winner Gianni Meersman (Omega Pharma — Quick-Step).

The race was a 4.6 kilometre prologue, won by Meersman in 5minutes 22 seconds.