Black day for IAM Cycling at the Tour of Qatar

Kjell Carlström weighed his words carefully after the second stage of the Tour of Qatar, which was handily won by Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-Quickstep).  Nevertheless, the IAM Cycling directeur sportif could not avoid talking about a black day for the team.

“We lost everything in just a few minutes.  We completely missed out on this stage.  We must take the lessons from today and learn never to repeat our mistakes.  If we can do that, then this will be important.” 

Of the 160.5 kilometer stage leading from the Camel Race track to Al Kohr Corniche, the eight riders from the Swiss Pro Continental team experienced seriously mixed fortunes.  Most unfortunately, Martin Elmiger, who was sitting in fourth after an excellent first stage, was brought down by another rider, and consequently lost any hopes of a podium position after the final stage in Doha.

Displaying an impressive calm despite the lack of results from his riders today, Kjell Carlström commented on the reasons behind the team’s failure in the second stage.

“With the exception of a short 20 kilometers just after the feed zone, the group rode à bloc with close to an average of 45 km/h over the 160 kilometer stage.  The deciding factor came after 110 kilometers when a crash in the peloton delayed most of our riders.  At the same time Omega Pharma-Quickstep pushed to the front of the pack and turned on the speed with the intention of causing a major rupture in the group. 

Only Matteo Pelucchi was able to get himself back into the second peloton on the road.  But he was then hit with a puncture which forced him out of the group with Greipel and company.  

Elmiger, Goddaert, Haussler and Hinault were ensconced in the third group.  But considering the wind, it was impossible for them to get back to the front of the race.” 

The philosophical Carlström looked ahead to what the team could still hope to accomplish this week.

“I think Martin Elmiger can really make use of the time trial as a way to test himself against strong competition.  As for the rest of the stages, we will do everything we can to try and win one, but it will also be a good opportunity for the team to practice racing together in the pack, keeping the best position possible.  Those will remain our goals until we reach Doha.”