Time trial world champion dropped out of the Tour de France yesterday to focus on his recovery for the London Olympics.

Martin broke the scaphoid bone of his left hand during the 1 July first stage. He stayed in the race, aiming for a possible win in the first long time trial.

But the powerful German had to be content with a 12th place in Monday's 41.5-kilometer time trial to Besancon after a flat tire.

For Martin, nicknamed the "Panzerwagen" because of his endurance in the race against the clock, everything went wrong from the start of the Tour. Before breaking his hand, he had a puncture in the prologue that dashed his hope of claiming the yellow jersey.

His main objective this season is winning the time trial at the London Games on Aug. 1 after he claimed the gold medal at the world championships last year.

Martin, who spent a lot of time at the back of the peloton since his injury, said he did not want to risk aggravating it when the race hit the Alps.

Omega Pharma Quick Step doctor Helge Riepenhof said Martin had to withdraw from the Tour to maximise his chances of performing well in London.

Martin was expected to fly home later yesterday. The Tour peloton is enjoying a rest day before Wednesday's 10th stage from Macon to Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, the first Alpine stage featuring the grueling ascent of the Col du Grand Colombier.