Vasil Kiryienka of Belarus is the new men's UCI World Time Trial champion, edging out Italy's Adriano Malori by just 9 seconds in Richmond, Virginia today. France's Jerome Coppel took the bronze medal.

Germany's Tony Martin, seeking to equal the four victories achieved by Swizerland's Fabian Cancellara, was off the pace throughout on the 53km course and ended up seventh.

Australia's Rohan Dennis, who briefly held the UCI Hour Record earlier this year, dropped out of contention after puncturing early on.Poland's

Poland's Marcin Bialoblocki, who rides for UK-based UCI Continental outfit ONE Pro Cycling, put in a storming ride to spend some time in the hot seat as virtual rainbow jersey winner – and would end up finishing a very creditable ninth.

Great Britain's Alex Dowsett, meanwhile – another of the hoders of the Hour Record this year – finished in 17th place, while the top placed British rider was Steve Cummings, 14th.

Kiryienka's win is the second successive victory by a Team Sky rider, and he succeeds Sir Bradley Wiggins in the rainbow jersey.

A hardworking domestique, the 34-year-old's victory is likely to prove popular with his team mate.