Rémi Cusin takes 4th at Tour du Finistère

“Rémi rode the race perfectly!”

Serge Beucherie, manager and directeur sportif for IAM Cycling enthusiastically stated after his rider took an excellent 4^th place at the Tour du Finistère.  As with many races this spring, the 185.4 kilometer race took place under appalling weather conditions.

 “He was the instigator of the decisive breakaway and still had enough left in the gas tank to try his luck in the finale.  I am very happy with his performance especially in view of his prolonged layoff caused first by his crash at La Marseillaise and then by his recent bout with bronchitis.  He has worked hard to recover and is now reaping the rewards of his good form with this beautiful performance and 4^th place.  But I also want to acknowledge the hard work of the entire team throughout the day.  Young guys like Schelling and Reichenbach spent a long time riding at the head of the race by getting in early breakaways.”

Only Johann Tschopp, who came to hone his form ahead of the Tour of Romandie, may have preferred to stay home in the sunny Valais region of Switzerland rather than suffer the pummeling the riders received at the hands of the rain and cold in Brittany.

Before preparing to face the difficult stone paths of the Tro Bro Léon on Sunday, Rémi Cusin remembered his experiences in the turmoil of Finistère.  The French IAM Cycling rider acknowledged that he learned his lessons received on the same course last year.

“Last year, I was misplaced and trapped on the mur where we made our escape.  This time, I had anticipated the move, so was sure to be well placed and able to react.  I had good legs today and we were eight in the final break.  But I had to play my cards right since there were two Cofidis guys with us.  I was not the strongest, but I timed my jump very well.  Of course, just missing out on the podium is a little disappointing, but given my recent trouble with bronchitis, my form is still a bit behind, and I cannot be too greedy yet.  I would also most particularly like to mention how well the entire team rode.  We certainly made a lasting impression throughout the day, in spite of the difficult weather conditions.”