Vuelta a España – 2. Etappe – Marcello Albasini «Matteo Pelucchi’s withdrawal was already a huge hit to the morale, but then also to lose David Tanner was almost the final straw»

IAM Cycling can only claim to have had a tough day on the roads to Caminito del Rey for the second stage of the Vuelta a Espana.  Bad luck was a constant companion for the Swiss team during this 158.7 kilometer stage, which was won by Esteban Chaves (Orica GreenEDGE).  After seeing the team’s sprinter Matteo Pelucchi being forced to abandon after having crashed heavily very early in the race, IAM Cycling then had to suffer the withdrawal of David Tanner later in the day. It became clear that Pelucchi’s painful abrasions were uncomplicated when compared to his teammate Tanner’s injuries since Tanner had to be evacuated by ambulance to the hospital for further examinations.

Some days it seems like good luck has made an active choice not to be on your side.  This second stage of the Vuelta really felt like that within the IAM Cycling camp.  Reduced by two riders after the painful exits of Matteo Pelucchi and David Tanner, the Swiss team has certainly seen better days.  Such a conclusion was not hard to come to for Marcello Albasini, even when he didn’t quite know the full extent of David Tanner’s injuries. 

“We certainly have not enjoyed the type of start that we would have liked,” Albasini admitted.  “The first big crash resulting in Matteo Pelucchi’s withdrawal was already a huge hit to the morale.  But then also to lose David Tanner was almost the final straw.  I saw Matteo crash.  It was a pretty fast descent, he had to take a turn and his front wheel slipped out from under him without any reason.  The road was pretty slippery, and I think he was surprised.  As for David’s mishap, the peloton was travelling at a very high speed when he crashed into the pile-up.  From now on, we will continue to fight as a team.  Our objectives will remain the same; we will not change any of our tactics. Of course a stage win will be harder to achieve now, but we will continue to believe in our chances.”

According to initial examinations, Matteo Pelucchi has suffered multiple abrasions to his body and serious road rash.  David Tanner, having received attention from the medical staff of the race organizers in the ambulance, was then taken to the hospital in Malaga where additional tests and x-rays are being conducted with regards to the injury to his pelvis.