Cancellara is Back. The Saxo Bank sprinter wins big at the Tour de Suisse after a blazing fast time trial on his “Project Black” bike

Fabian Cancellara (Specialized bikes) returned dramatically to the winner’s circle Sunday with a dominant victory in the final time trial on his “Project Black” TTR time trial machine. With minutes to spare ahead of the competition, Cancellara’s TT performance secured him the overall title at the 73rd Tour de Suisse.

The Olympic time trial champion delivered the double-punch in his hometown of Bern on the final day of the nine-stage ProTour event, taking 1:27 out of archrival Tony Martin to win the 39km race against the clock.

That victory catapulted the big Swiss time machine into overall victory, more than two minutes clear of runner-up Martin and 2:24 ahead of defending champion Roman Kreuziger.

“It was fantastic to win on home roads today. I must admit I had good bumps on the course, and I could feel the support of the fans,” a happy Cancellara said. “When I started the Tour de Suisse, I didn’t dream of the possibility of overall victory.”

The hometown victory will serve as a huge confidence boost for the 28-year-old Cancellara, who struggled through much of the 2009 season.

After winning the opening prologue in his first race of the year at the Tour of California back in February, the usually prolific Cancellara went winless due to illness, poor form and crashes.

But he kept working and patiently waited for his health to recovery. He rode through two weeks of the Giro d’Italia in May to prepare for the Swiss tour and July’s Tour.

That patience paid off huge dividends, as Cancellara came into his home tour at the Tour de Suisse in his best form since he roared through Beijing, winning a bronze medal in the road race and striking gold in the time trial.

Cancellara won the opening time trial stage in Liechtenstein to claim the leader’s jersey and then hung tough through the grueling Swiss Alps, staying within striking distance of his most dangerous rivals, all the while keeping in the back of his mind the final-day time trial in his hometown of Bern.

“It’s been a fantastic week for me and for the team,” Cancellara said. “I would like to thank the team, the fans and the sponsors for their support, and we could not wish for a better prelude to the Tour.”

With two stage victories and the overall, Cancellara also wins the points jersey and Saxo Bank takes home the team’s prize in what was a very solid performance for Bjarne’s Army.

Cancellara’s return to the winner’s podium comes just in time for the Tour de France, which starts July 4 in Monaco. More information will be available at the Tour regarding Fabian’s “Project Black” TT bike.

Read more on Fabian's Project Black Time Trial machine at www.velonews.com or www.cyclingnews.com.