Dan Martin (Garmin-Sharp) concluded a fabulous season by finishing second overall in the Tour of Beijing yesterday. The runner-up spot put an end to an outstanding season for the Irishman who won the Volta a Catalunya, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and a stage in the Tour de France earlier this year.

By clinching second place behind Benat Intxausti (Movistar), he also finished 6th in the WorldTour individual rankings.

The Tour de France was the main focal point for Martin this year but next year he will have a different race programme.

The Giro d'Italia starts in Belfast and stays in Northern Ireland and Ireland for 3 stages and so Martin is keen to target the Italian race and thus pursue the chance of grabbing the coveted maglia rosa on Irish tarmac. In his quest for Giro glory, Martin may rely on 2012 Giro conqueror Ryder Hesjedal who is supposed to act in a capacity as super domestique.

The Italian Grand Tour was on Martin’s mind in the immediate aftermath of the Tour of Beijing.

“I’ve decided to alter the start date of my preparation after the winter break because I prefer to prepare for the Giro rather than the Ardennes Classics,” Martin told Tuttobiciweb.it.

“I’m highly motivated because during this season I’ve demonstrated my ability to cope with the pressure that inevitably rests upon the shoulders of a team leader during a Grand Tour. The Giro? It’s a race that I love and one for which I will prepare diligently.”

Martin was under no illusions about the aspects of his racing that needs improvement if he is to have a shot at the overall win in a three week Grand Tour.

“In particular I need to work on my time trial and that’s where my focus will be during the forthcoming winter,” Martin concluded.

The race kicks off with a team time trial in Belfast on May 9 and being part of a strong Garmin team, Martin could get the chance to wear the coveted maglia rosa on home soil.