Tony Martin doesn't want to leave anything to chance in his fight for the yellow jersey in the first stage of the Tour de France. The triple world time trial champion traveled to Utrecht earlier than his teammates to check the course for the 13.8-kilometer race against the clock in Utrecht.

"It was not about the speed," team manager Rolf Aldag who followed Martin through the streets of Utrecht, told the German news agency DPA. "Tony wanted to get a personal impression of the course, the curves and the particular circumstances."

Martin has previously announced that he wants to take the yellow jersey after failed attempts in Rotterdam (2010) and Liege (2012).

"I don't get this opportunity many times. To take the yellow jersey and defend it during the first week is the ideal scenario. My form is currently at the desired level."