Tony Martin was worst off when many riders hit the deck in yesterday's first stage of the Tour de France but the world time trial champion decided to fight on and try to get through today's second stage. Having finished the race safely, he is now optimistic that he will be able to get even further.

Many riders hit the deck but none were more unlucky than Tony Martin who was left a concussion, a contusion on his left lung, a deep wound on his elbow and several other injuries. For some time, his further participation was uncertain but the powerful German decided to give it a go.

He managed to get through today's second stage - albeit in a group that finished more than 17 minutes down on stage winner Jan Bakelants (Radioshack) - and he had been positively surprised by his sensations.

"Actually it's not too bad," Martin said of his condition. "First of all I was happy to be able to start here. OK, my feeling was good today compared to what happened yesterday but for sure I suffered today. I'm happy to be able to finish today. I'm quite optimistic about the next stages."

Despite his optimism, it is highly unlikely that Martin will be able to play the expected crucial role in Tuesday's team time trial where his team as defending world champions was expected to shine.

While Martin struggled far behind, his teammate Sylvain Chavanel was on the attack. Another Omega Pharma-Quick Step rider, Michal Kwiatkowski, had made a short move but was marked out by big favourite Peter Sagan (Cannondale). When the group was brought back, the Frenchman saw his chance to give it a go.

He got clear in a six-rider group from which eventual winner Jan Bakelants emerged. The Belgian escaped on his own inside the final two kilometres and never looked back.

Chavanel regretted the lost opportunity but had been unwilling to bring back the lone Bakelants on his own.

"I attacked after the group caught Kwiatkowski and Sagan," Chavanel said. "I think it was the right moment to move. The other five riders came with me. We were working well together since the last 2km. When Bakelants went I didn't want to take the responsibility to close the gap alone. If you want to win sometimes you have to take a few risks and play tactically. It's a pity because I was strong and a win on my birthday would have been fantastic."

However, the day also had positive news for the Belgian team. Michal Kwiatkowski was only beaten by Sagan in the sprint for seconds and moved into the white jersey of best young rider as a consequence. The Pole makes his Tour debut at the race and was surprised to find early success as his only target is to learn as much from the race as possible.

"It's an amazing day," Kwiatkowski said. "I had a plan to finish the Tour de France but I didn't have a plan to have the white jersey. So, I was so happy. Especially after such an unlucky day yesterday. I finished 3rd in the stage today and I took the white jersey. This jersey is well respected. I really don't know how many stages I will be able to keep it, but it will be nice to have it even for one day. My goal in this Tour de France is to learn as much as I can and finish this Tour de France. I don't really think about the white jersey like that."

Kwiatkowski will aim at defending the jersey in tomorrow's very tough third stage, the final on the island of Corsica. Starting at 12.30, you can follow the action on CyclingQuotes.com/live.