For the fourth time in the span of just two months, Tom Dumoulin finished second behind Tony Martin in a time trial when he was beaten by the world champion in the Tour de France today. This time, however, he was not even close to the German and the result felt like a victory for the Dutchman.

Recently crowned Dutch time trial champion Tom Dumoulin has finish in second place on the penultimate stage of the Tour de France.

Dumuoulin raced around the 54km individual time trial course in a time of 1’07″00, leaving the 23-year-old 1’39″ down on world time trial champion Tony Martin (Omega Pharma – Quickstep).

All the other Team Giant-Shimano riders finished safely within the time limit on the day leaving eight riders to come together for tomorrow’s final flourish on the most famous finishing straight in cycling, the Champs Élysées.

Overall race leader Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) safely defended his lead in the race, finishing fourth on the day.

Dumoulin said after the stage was all wrapped up: “I was so proud to race out there in the national champs jersey today, that was pretty special. The new suit felt great, it felt very fast and the fit is perfect – it’s mentally good to know that you have the small differences on your side in a time trial where every little advantage counts. So together with a super fast bike in the Giant Trinity I have a very nice set up.

“I am happy with my effort and the result. Second behind Tony at the moment is almost a victory at the moment as he is so strong, especially at the Tour.

“The effort is very different here after 20 days of racing. It’s mentally really hard as you can’t reach the power values that you usually can, and you can’t seem to push yourself over the limit either, yet it still hurts just as much.

“The course was pretty hard, with lots of gradual climbing and not a lot of smooth asphalt so you don’t feel like you’re getting much speed out. But all in all it was a good race and I can’t complain.

“Compared to 2013 I think I have found the Tour overall to be harder this year, but I think that is because I am stronger now and much more involved. It has been a great race though and tomorrow I will go back into my position in the pure sprint formation and hopefully help propel Marcel to victory like last year.”

Aike Visbeek, Team Giant-Shimano coach, added: “Tom did a solid time trial today and we can be happy with second today. He is still very young, only 23, and has a big future ahead of him. He has been steadily developing over the past year working closely with the the coaches and trainers to develop in his capacity against the clock and he is only going to get stronger.

“It is once again confirmation that sticking to a plan and working in an innovative way in developing both equipment and rider preparation in training pays off.

“All the other guys got through today in a good way and we can now focus on tomorrow. It is not going to be easy as everybody will be looking at us but we have a strong team still and a good plan so we will race for a top result tomorrow.”