September 30, 2010 (Geelong, Australia) – Switzerland’s Fabian Cancellara made history by winning his fourth World Championship Time Trial, becoming the first rider to accomplish this feat. As he rode across the line Cancellara held up four fingers indicating that he had bettered the record of three ITT Worlds victories that he shared with Australia’s Michael Rogers. British cycling veteran and former ITT world champion, David Millar, placed second while Germany’s Tony Martin recovered from a flat tire to hang on to third. Canada’s Svein Tuft, the ITT Worlds silver medalist in 2008, finished in 26th.

Overcast skies, cool temperatures and gusting wind made an already difficult time trial even harder for the men who completed two laps of a 22.9km circuit that featured steep punchy climbs early, fast open sections near the water, and tight corners around a golf course at the end.

Leading on the first split of the race Millar worked on a different strategy than Cancellara. He “attacked the first lap then hung on for dear life in the second” while his Swiss rival took it easier on the first lap leaving gas in the tank for the second lap. Of his quick start Millar said, “On the climb on the first lap I was thinking ‘Oh god, this is going to be hard next time around’.”

Millar’s lead soon disappeared as Spartacus – Cancellara’s nickname – continued to gain time using his excellent cornering skills on the winding decent. From there the result was nearly sealed until Cancellara almost hit the deck after brushing a banner late on his second lap. Of his near miss he said, “In the end I always ride at the limit, the safe limit.”

Langley BC’s Tuft went into today’s race with very good form but couldn’t translate it into a good ride. Speaking to Pedal after the ITT he said, “I just came undone, man… I don’t know what happened.” A disappointed Tuft added, “My training was really good with lots of time on the TT bike, but I just kind of fell apart mentally and physically.”

Millar of Great Britain was “over the moon” with his result as he had come to the race hoping for a podium. In 2004 Millar admitted to using EPO to French police and was subsequently fired by his Cofidis team and suspended by the UCI. After coming back in 2006 he has been a cheerleader for the anti-doping movement. Asked if he felt vindicated of his prior offences Millar said, “I would think that I am beyond vindication.”

Cancellara was naturally proud to be the only rider to hold four ITT world titles. “Yes, I’m very happy. This was my hardest one. I came here not at 100%,” said the rainbow champ. Cancellara, who leaves the Saxo Bank Team of Bjarne Riis next year, explained that he had not focused on the Road Worlds as he has done in the past – in fact he only decided to come to Australia last Tuesday adding, “It was a struggle for motivation after Flanders and Roubaix.”

Bronze medalist Martin commented, “I was a little bit demoralized by the flat tire and bike change but later found motivation thinking – OK maybe your still in the race.” Both Cancellara and Martin were critical of the UCI banning radios in the time trial. “I didn’t know if I was racing for tenth or first place,” said Martin.

Full results here.