Markel Irizar was one of several Trek riders that did a great performance in yesterday's Tour of California time trial - a colllective performance that saw them put three riders in the top 10 and take the lead in the teams classification - but what took most of the headlines was the fact that he hit Laurens Ten Dam just after the finish line, causing the Dutchman to crash. While claiming that he was not to blame for the incident, the Basque was sorry for his Dutch rival.

Trek Factory Racing showed the strength of its team placing three riders in the top ten in the 20-kilometer flat and fast second stage time trial. Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky) scorched the course in 23:18, handily winning the non-technical, out-and-back course. Jesse Sergent was the top finisher for the team in 5th (+1’11”), with Markel Irizar placing 8th (+1’21”) and Jens Voigt, 9th  (+1’24”).

“I liked the parcours,” said Markel Irizar. “I took a break after the classics so I thought I would be not be at my best here; that I would miss a little. I had the time of Jensie [Jens Voigt] and I knew more or less I was around his time, so I knew I was going well. To know that was good and it gave me more motivation. I was losing a little bit of time in the climbs, but on the flats I was going okay. It was much better than expected.”

American Matthew Busche, a general classification leader for the team, finished in 36th place (+2’16”) and overall was pleased with his performance.

“I did my maximum I don’t think I could have gone any faster,” said Matthew Busche. "I pushed as hard as I could, but I am not a TT specialist so I can’t ask for more than to do my best, especially against the GC guys. Of course, Wiggins won the TT and is also a very good climber; that’s why he is a Tour de France champion.

"I am never fully satisfied because that means I cannot improve, but personally I have to be happy since I really left it all out there today.”

Markel Irizar blasted across the line one second behind Laurens Ten Dam (Belkin), who had started one minute before him. Unfortunately, Ten Dam and Irizar made contact just after the line, causing Ten Dam to crash heavily.

“Just before the final left turn to the finish I wanted to pass Ten Dam, but his car was there and I had to brake," explained Irizar. "So, after that I went full gas to the line. Ten Dam stopped pedaling as soon as he crossed the line and I was still going full gas over the line. I think he touched my back wheel and crashed.

"I went to find him afterwards to apologize, but honestly I don’t think it was my fault. I was following my line and I don’t think he realized I was coming. It’s also normal that right when you finish you lose your concentration because your race is over – but I am truly sorry he crashed.”

Bradley Wiggins has a hefty lead after his speedy time trial, and it may be hard to wrestle the leader's jersey from his back. Rohan Dennis (Garmin-Sharp) and Taylor Phinney (BMC) finished second and third respectively, and also sit second and third in GC.

Today the race continues with the queen stage, a 174.6-kilometer race that ends on the summit of Mount Diablo, and should cause a further shake up in the overall classification.