Germany's Martin locked in for worlds time trials

German powerhouse Tony Martin likes what he sees of the UCI Road World Championships individual time trial course as he guns for a fifth title in the discipline.

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The four-time world time trial champion said that while he hasn't had the time to personally recon the 54km course set for 25 September, video he's seen gives him confidence of a strong performance.

"Although I have not been able to see the track personally yet, what I could see on videos, it would suit me," Martin said.

Martin, who helped deliver Jumbo-Visma team-mate Primoz Roglic to a maiden Grand Tour victory at the Vuelta a España, said that while the toll of the three-week race and hard crash on stage 19 was not good preparation for the championships he's fit and ready to go.

"The injuries were not so serious that my participation in the championships was in danger," he said. "The Vuelta was certainly not optimal for preparation but it took precedence. After that, it was important to find the right balance between recovery, renewed form and the right intensity."

The three-time and current German national time trial champion will also take part in the mixed team time trial which opens the 21-29 September championship held in Yorkshire, United Kingdom. And while admitting he preferred the now mothballed trade teams time trial, will do his best to help deliver an opening medal for Germany.

"I actually liked the team time trial with trade teams," he said. "It's better to fight for a championship title with riders you travel with all year round and a team that supports you all year round. But the national team idea should attract many viewers and I'll do my best in that race as well."