Tony Martin finished sixth in his very last World Time Trial Championship, while Edoardo Affini and Jos van Emden finished ninth and 12th respectively.

Van Aert set the best time at both the first and second measuring points. In the final stretch Ganna managed to close the gap and Van Aert had to settle for silver. It is the second consecutive silver medal at the World Time Trial Championships for the Belgian road champion.

According to the vice world champion he has nothing to reproach himself for. “I was beaten by Ganna. He’s a very good time trialist and even more of a time trial specialist than I am. Seeing how close I end up behind him I should really just be happy. It’s a top result, but I was very close to that rainbow jersey. That makes it a little bit disappointing.”

Van Aert will be the leader next week in the road race of the World Championships in the Flemish town of Leuven. “This week I’m going to prepare myself well for the road race next Sunday. I have a lot of confidence in it. Today the crowd was really fantastic. It was great to see people standing along the side of the road. I think we will see the same scenes next week. I’m really looking forward to that.”

Four-time world time trial champion Martin could only just hold back his tears, just before the start of his second-to-last race as a professional cyclist. “It was difficult for a few seconds when I was on the starting podium and heard the reaction of the people when my name was called. Then I could focus on the time trial again, but it was definitely an emotional day for me. I enjoyed today with all these great fans along the track. It’s a great way to end my great career, but first I’m going to give it all in the Mixed Relay on Wednesday.”