Kevyn Ista changing the tune at Tour of Oman

André Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) took control of the race by winning the sprint for the third stage of the Tour of Oman.  This does not take away from the fact that an IAM Cycling jersey was on proud and prominent display for the greater part of the 145 kilometer stage, which featured two leg-burning climbs.

Directeur sportif for IAM Cycling, Kjell Carlström, appreciated the efforts of his riders.

“In the morning meeting, I told Kevyn Ista and Sébastien Hinault to try their luck with a breakaway.  And then we had Martin Elmiger and Heinrich Haussler reserved to try and see what they could do in the final.  Turned out it was Kevyn who found the right move and stayed away much of the race.  I’m happy for him because this helps him gain confidence in his abilities while giving him an outlet to remove some of the overflow of emotion that has naturally resulted from Kristof’s death.  To me, his move was important even if his efforts throughout the stage fatigued him enough that Kevyn lost contact with the main bunch up the final climb, along with Marcel Aregger and Sébastien Hinault.”

Very affected by the loss of his friend and compatriot, Kevyn Ista explained the reason he took a chance with such a long, 130 kilometer breakaway.

“On Wednesday I had no desire at all to start the race.  But ultimately it was the best solution.  It does no good just to cry and mourn. 

Today I determined to strike out on a breakaway and not to sit in the pack safe and warm.  I needed to change my thoughts and feel something else.  Four of us took off after 5 kilometers.  But one of the riders refused to take a pull after we passed the 30 kilometer mark, claiming he had to respect one of his teammates wearing one of the classification jerseys.  So the rest of us fought against the chasing pack and a strong headwind.  It was especially tough since the headwind was stiff. 

The peloton finally caught us with about a dozen kilometers to go, just as we hit the final climb.  But I am satisfied with my day.  The legs look good and a day like this bodes well for the classics on my schedule like Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kürne-Bruxelles-Kürne.”