Tony Martin claims dominant victory in Tour de France time trial

With Astana's Vincezno Nibali all but assured of a maiden Tour triumph, it was the turn of the time-trial specialists to try to earn the plaudits as the race heads towards its conclusion.

And it was Martin who demonstrated his quality on the 54-kilometre ride from Bergerac to Perigueux, the German claiming his second stage win of the race.

The Omega Pharma-Quick Step rider displayed the kind of ability that has led him to three consecutive world time-trial championships, setting a time of one hour, six minutes and 21 seconds.

Meanwhile, Nibali heads into Sunday's processional ride to Paris having claimed fourth in the time trial, with Giant-Shimano's Tom Dumoulin and NetApp-Enudra's Jan Barta taking second and third respectively.