Daniel Martin (Garmin-Sharp) continued his recent steady progress by winning Liège-Bastogne-Liège yesterday.

“I cannot believe it. I am really in shock,” Martin told Dutch TV-station NOS at the finish line, moments after soloing home to win “La Doyenne.”

Moments earlier Martin had crossed the line seconds ahead of Joaquím Rodríguez (Katusha) after countering what looked to be a decisive and winning move by the Spaniard inside the final kilometre.

“The team rode like I’ve never seen them ride before,” Martin said. “They protected me all day. I am so happy. I just cannot believe it.”

On Wednesday Martin had showed his intentions and abilities to take the final Classic of the spring by finishing fourth in Flèche Wallonne. Thanks to his win in the Volta a Catalunya Martin arrived to the Ardennes with high hopes. With that stage race and a handful of smaller one-day wins, he has gradually built up an impressive palmares for the season. However, Liège-Bastogne-Liège certainly overshadows all Martin’s previous achievements.

“I knew I could win a race like Liège-Bastogne-Liège one day,” Martin said. “For the team, it’s huge. Johan [Vansummeren] won Paris-Roubaix for us in 2011, and this, this is incredible. We don’t win very often but when we do, it’s very big. I can’t believe it. It’s fantastic, it’s a dream.”