IRISH CYCLIST DAN Martin had one of the worst results of his professional career when he finished 104th at the Tour of Romandie, more than an hour behind the winner Ilnur Zakarin.
It turns out he had a pretty good excuse.
At Liège-Bastogne-Liège last month, Martin was involved in a bad crash with 40 kilometres to go.
Although he toughed it out to make it to the Romandie start line, it was very clear that he was still suffering.
“Feeling really beaten up and struggling to breathe after LBL crash but hanging tough and helping the team,” he tweeted after the second stage.
And then after struggling in Sunday’s final time trial, he added: “Not exactly aero today. TT bike was impossible with my liege injuries.
“My worst GC result but very proud to finish.”
Martin discovered the extent of his injuries on Tuesday when it emerged that he had in fact broken two ribs in that crash at Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
“I thought it was painful,” he quipped.
That’s some hardy cycling. Chapeau.
