Swiss Fabian Cancellara wants to make World Championships history on Thursday in Geelong, Australia, to become the first cyclist to win four time trial titles.
"I want to make history there with the fourth title," he said today. "Mick Rogers and I are both tied for the title now with three wins, it would be great to do better than him."
From 2003 to 2005, Rogers won three consecutive titles. His first title came from the World Championships in Hamilton, Canada, after David Millar's title was stripped for doping.
Cancellara won titles in 2006, 2007 and on home soil last year in Mendrisio, Switzerland.
This year, he proved he still has his touch by winning the time trials, the prologue and stage 19, at the Tour de France. However, two weeks ago, he finished third in the Vuelta a España major 46-kilometre time trial.
The World Championships course is two laps of a 22.9-kilometre circuit, or 45.8 kilometres. Each lap takes in a climb to Scenic Road and the climb up Aphrasia St.
"It is not enough to be strong," Cancellara said. "It is a difficult race due to the four climbs, two climbs each lap. You have to have a tactical approach to the race, you have to dose your effort."
Slovakian Peter Velits won the Vuelta a España time trial, but it is German Tony Martin and home favourite, Australian Richie Porte who Cancellara fears the most. Martin beat Cancellara at the Tour of Switzerland time trial this year and finished second to Cancellara in both Tour de France time trials.
Cancellara, though, gave a special mention to his trade team-mate, Richie Porte.
"He surprised the team and the cycling world with a super-great performance in the Giro d'Italia and also the rest of the season," Cancellara said.
"For me, for a first year as a professional, it has been a great season and he will have a huge future."
Cancellara, like Britain's David Millar, will also contest the road race on Sunday. Last year, he finished fifth behind winner Cadel Evans in Mendrisio.
Related links
World Championships 2010: Cycling Weekly's coverage index
Fabian Cancellara: Rider Profile
Stock but not standard: Argonaut Cycles upgrades its stock offering to flagship status; launches carbon gravel wheels
Claims against bankrupt Sir Bradley Wiggins’s estate double to £2m
