“It was very hot today”, the new champion said. “It’s a really good feeling to take the title here. I was the big favourite beforehand, but I still had to prove it. During the time trial I had a really good feeling and I’m happy I was able to translate that confidence into a win.”

Ballerstedt was very happy with his silver medal. “This is a real team performance. Michel and I got good advice from Tony Martin and our warm-up went perfectly. The team played a big part in that. Michel is the deserved winner and I am proud to finish nine seconds behind him in second place.”

Hessmann is the second rider from Jumbo-Visma Development Team to win a national time trial championship this week. Last Wednesday it was Mick van Dijke who won the title in the Netherlands.