Martin defends Beijing title

Germany’s Tony Martin defended his Tour of Beijing title today as Britain’s Steven Cummings won a sprint finish to take the final stage in the Pinggu District of Beijing.

Cummings, of the BMC Racing Team, beat Garmin-Sharp’s Ryder Hesjedal to the line with the peloton following home 18 seconds later.

Omega Pharma-Quickstep rider Martin was not troubled on the final day of the five-stage event, having taken the start boasting a 40-second lead over Francesco Gavazzi, who held on to second place.

Edvald Boasson Hagen finished third on the day, enough to move him above Ireland's Dan Martin for third overall.

Early in the stage, RadioShack-Nissan’s Andy Schleck pulled out, leaving the 2010 Tour de France winner without a race victory this year.