The German powerhouse led through both of the intermediate timing checks and bettered Jonathan Castroviejo's leading time just seconds after the Spanish rider took to top spot.
Kiryienka, who took the rainbow stripes in Richmond last year, rode a solid race but could only just get within 45 seconds, with Castroviejo taking third place, over a minute down on Martin.
Tony Martin
(Image credit: Watson)
Irish youngster Ryan Mullen sat in the leader's hotseat for much of the day having set a barnstorming time early on in the event, only being knocked off the top step by Poland's Maciej Bodnar in the final tranche of riders.
Martin's winning time knocked Mullen off the podium altogether and the German watched as pre-race rivals Rohan Dennis and Tom Dumoulin could only manage sixth and 11th respectively.
With the win, Martin also matches Cancellara's record of seven World Championships time trial medals, with a silver and two bronzes to his name from previous years.
World Championships men's individual time trial, Lusail - Pearl Qatar (40km)
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1. Tony Martin (Germany) in 44-42.99
2. Vasil Kiryienka (Belarus) at 45 secs
3. Jonathan Castroviejo (Spain) at 1-11
4. Maciej Bodnar (Poland) at 1-17
5. Ryan Mullen (Ireland) at 1-22
6. Rohan Dennis (Australia) at 1-27
7. Yves Lampaert (Belgium) at 1-45
8. Jos van Emden (Netherlands) at 1-45
9. Reto Hollenstein (Switzerland) at 1-52
10. Bob Jungels (Luxembourg) at 1-57
Other
12. Alex Dowsett (Great Britain) at 2-11
25. Steve Cummings (Great Britain) at 2-49
Tony Martin
(Image credit: Watson)
Vasil Kiryienka
(Image credit: Watson)
Alex Dowsett
(Image credit: Watson)
Steve Cummings
(Image credit: Watson)
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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
