
Dan Martin
IrelandAlso known as: Daniel John Martin, The Godfather
Birthday
August 20, 1986
Birth Sign
Leo
Birthplace
Birmingham, England
Age
40 years old
Height
5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
About
Daniel John Martin is a retired Irish professional road racing cyclist, born on August 20, 1986, in Birmingham, England. Over a 14-year career from 2008 to 2021, he rode for top WorldTour teams including Garmin, Quick-Step Floors, UAE Team Emirates, and Israel Start-Up Nation. Martin is celebrated for his fearless, attacking style and his two Monument victories: Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2013 and Giro di Lombardia in 2014. He also won six Grand Tour stages and finished fourth overall at the 2013 Tour de France, his best Grand Tour result.
Martin raced under the Irish flag, honoring his mother's heritage, and represented Ireland at two Olympic Games. Since retiring, he has transitioned into a post-racing career as an investor and entrepreneur, co-founding an investment firm focused on sports and technology startups. With his aggressive riding and articulate demeanor, Martin remains a beloved figure in the cycling community.
Early Life & Background
Dan Martin grew up in Birmingham, England, in a family deeply connected to cycling. His maternal uncle is Stephen Roche, the 1987 Tour de France winner, and his cousin Nicolas Roche also became a professional cyclist. Martin was drawn to the sport from a young age, inspired by his uncle's achievements. He began competitive racing as a junior in 2003 and quickly showed promise as a climber.
After progressing through the ranks with the HTC-Columbia development team, he turned professional in 2008 with Slipstream-Chipotle, the squad that would become Garmin. In his first season, he won the Irish National Road Race Championship, signaling his arrival on the international scene. His early career was marked by steady development, with his attacking instincts already evident in stage races and one-day classics.
Career Growth
Martin's breakthrough came in 2010 when he won the overall classification at the Tour de Pologne and the Japan Cup. The following year, he claimed his first Grand Tour stage win at the Vuelta a España. In 2013, he reached new heights, winning Liège-Bastogne-Liège with a trademark late attack and taking a stage victory at the Tour de France, where he also finished fourth overall and was named the most combative rider.
He added a second Monument in 2014 with a solo victory at Giro di Lombardia. After moving to Quick-Step Floors in 2017, Martin won the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal and finished sixth at the Tour de France. He took another Tour stage win in 2018 at Mûr-de-Bretagne. Later, with UAE Team Emirates, he won the Tour of the Alps in 2019 and a Vuelta stage in 2020. In his final season with Israel Start-Up Nation in 2021, he won a Giro d'Italia stage, his last Grand Tour victory, before retiring.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Dan Martin was celebrated for his fearless, attacking riding style, often launching long-range solo moves that thrilled fans. He was known as a rider who raced on instinct and panache rather than data, a rarity in the modern peloton. This approach earned him a devoted following, particularly in Ireland and the UK, where his decision to race under the Irish flag resonated deeply.
Off the bike, Martin was humble and articulate in interviews, known for his sportsmanship and respect for rivals. His social media presence reflects a family-oriented, grateful persona post-retirement, as he shares insights into his new career as an investor. Fans appreciate his authenticity and his willingness to speak candidly about the challenges of professional cycling.
Fame & Fandom
Dan Martin, the retired Irish road cyclist, has been evaluated by iFANN's Global Fame Engine but does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, whether that be the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. His fame, while considerable in the cycling world, hasn't translated into the broader global recognition that would secure a ranked spot. That said, his fanbase, though not formally named, is devoted and engaged, with his Instagram following of around 52,000 reflecting a community of cycling enthusiasts who appreciate his attacking style and his underdog narrative. There are no documented fan campaigns, rituals, or inside jokes, just a shared admiration for a rider who raced on instinct. Martin's legacy is carried by those who remember his daring solo moves, and while he may not rank among the most famous athletes globally, his impact on the sport ensures his name lives on in cycling lore.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Martin was famously anti-data, preferring to race by feel rather than rely on power meters. He was one of the last top professionals to embrace this approach, making him a cult figure among cycling traditionalists. His 2014 Giro di Lombardia win came from a daring solo attack launched over a kilometer from the finish on the final climb. He competed at two Olympic Games, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, finishing 13th in the road race in Rio. Martin's final professional victory was at the 2021 Giro d'Italia, making him one of the few riders to win stages in all three Grand Tours in his final season. He is a co-founder of Rubix Ventures, an investment firm. A story fans still retell: at the 2013 Tour de France, he attacked on the final climb of Stage 9, only to be caught on the descent, but his sheer audacity earned him the combativity award and cemented his reputation as a rider who would try anything. Another legend: his 2010 stage win in the Vuelta a España, where he bridged to the breakaway and then soloed to victory, showcasing the fearless style that would define his career.
Notable Quotes
“I prefer to race by feel, not by numbers.”
“The support of my family has been everything.”
“I always wanted to race with panache, to attack and make the race exciting.”
“Retirement is a new beginning, and I'm excited for what's next.”
Family & Personal Life
Dan Martin's family has been central to his life and career. His mother is Irish, and his father is English. His maternal uncle, Stephen Roche, is a cycling legend, and his cousin Nicolas Roche also raced professionally. Martin often spoke about the influence of his uncle's 1987 Tour de France victory on his own ambitions.
Martin is married to Jess Andrews, whom he credits as his constant support throughout his career. The couple live in Andorra with their two children, though they keep details of their family life private. Martin frequently posts about his wife and kids on social media, describing himself as a 'husband and father' in his bios.
Notable Connections
Dan Martin is closely associated with his uncle Stephen Roche, the 1987 Tour de France winner, who inspired his career. He also shares a bond with his cousin Nicolas Roche, another Irish professional cyclist. Throughout his career, Martin raced alongside and against many of the greats of his era, including Chris Froome, Vincenzo Nibali, and Alejandro Valverde. His team directors included Jonathan Vaughters at Garmin and Patrick Lefevere at Quick-Step.
Relationships & Dating History
Dan Martin has kept his personal life remarkably private, and his only publicly confirmed relationship is with his wife, Jess Andrews. The couple married in a private ceremony, and Jess has been a constant presence throughout his career, often described by Martin as his rock. They have two children together and live in Andorra.
There are no documented prior relationships in the public record. As of 2026, Martin is married to Jess Andrews, and they continue to build their life together, balancing his investment career and family commitments.
- MarriedJess Andrews2014 - presentCurrentMarried in a private ceremony; two children together.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$15 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
iFANN currently estimates Dan Martin's net worth at $15 million as of 2026. His primary income during his racing career came from team salaries, which for a rider of his caliber peaked at roughly €1–2 million per year during his time with Quick-Step Floors and UAE Team Emirates. Over a 14-year career, this amounted to estimated career earnings in the range of $10–15 million. Since retiring, Martin has transitioned into a career as an investor and entrepreneur. He is a co-founder and athlete partner at Rubix Ventures, an investment firm focused on sports and technology startups. This new venture, along with endorsement deals and appearance fees, has helped maintain his financial standing. His net worth in 2026 sits at approximately $15 million, reflecting his successful post-racing career.
Awards Won (9)
Dan Martin's career is highlighted by two Monument victories, at Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2013 and Giro di Lombardia in 2014. He also won the overall classification at the Tour de Pologne (2010), Volta a Catalunya (2013), and Tour of the Alps (2019). Martin was awarded the Most Combative Rider prize at the 2013 Tour de France, a fitting tribute to his aggressive racing style.
2013 · Monument
Liège-Bastogne-Liège
2014 · Monument
Giro di Lombardia
Known For
Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2013
2013 · Winner
Giro di Lombardia 2014
2014 · Winner
Tour de France 2013
2013 · 4th overall, stage 9 winner
Tour de France 2018
2018 · Stage 6 winner
Vuelta a España 2011, 2015, 2020
2020 · Stage winner
Giro d'Italia 2021
2021 · Stage 17 winner
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Daniel John Martin
- Height
- 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
- Spouse
- Jess Andrews
- Children
- 2 (names not public)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dan Martin related to Stephen Roche?
Why does Dan Martin race for Ireland?
How many Grand Tour stages did Dan Martin win?
What is Dan Martin doing now?
When did Dan Martin win Liège-Bastogne-Liège?
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