Bradley Wiggins had no answers to a dominant Tony Martin as the British cyclist was made to settle for silver at the Road World Championships yesterday.

Germany’s Martin eased to to a hat-trick of world time-trial titles over the 58-kilometre course, beating London 2012 gold medallist Wiggins by 46.09 seconds. Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland came third.

Wiggins had been hoping to end a difficult year on a high in Florence. He was forced to abandon May’s Giro d’Italia through illness and missed out on defending his Tour de France title through injury as Chris Froome won.

The Londoner had talked up his chances before yesterday’s race, pointing to a time-trial victory at the Tour of Britain, which he won, as evidence of his improved form.

However Wiggins conceded that Martin was in a league of his own, choosing to praise his rival rather than focus on his own shortcomings.

“I executed it (the race) perfect to be as fast as possible,” Wiggins told BBC2. “I could feel I was still strong in that final 20 minutes and I knew it would be close but Tony was on a different level today. He’s had a great season and he’s finished it off with a world title.”

Wiggins had fallen 15secs behind Cancellara midway through the race, but hauled back to level as he entered the streets of Florence.

Oblivious to the tightness of his battle with the Swiss, a final effort saw Wiggins sneak ahead by just under two seconds on the line.

“I was really just focused on my own effort,” he said. “I had no idea until I finished and collapsed in the tent as to where I was.

“In the final 20 minutes I was pretty oblivious to everything and you are just trying to get home.

“I love the sport and it is nice and an honour to be on the podium with those two guys. It will be something to show the kids when I’m older.”

Martin claimed his performance was one of the best of his career, saying: “To win a world championship is always special. To win it a third time in a row is even more special.

“To win it this way — I can’t imagine a better race for me.

“I always knew I was able to win but to know, and to do it, is different.”