Volta a Portugal – Marcel Wyss: «I managed a good time, but …»

The time trial did not end with a victory for Marcel Wyss.  A mishap has not prevented the IAM Cycling rider from leading the race after the 35.3 kilometer time trial.  Rather the Spaniard Alejandro Marque won the stage and took over the yellow jersey for the overall lead on the eve of the finish in Viseu.

In view of his efforts, the IAM Cycling rider from Bern could feel satisfaction for what he felt was an “honest” performance.

“I managed a good time, but for me there was a rider who was in amazing form.  I gave everything and am pretty pleased with myself.  Fourth place on a course that really did not suit me is okay.  We are in Portugal and I have to deal with the challenges that presents.  As for my current 7^th place overall, I’m not going to complain, though I was aiming for top five.”

With a blazing sun and pleasanter temperatures than previous days, Kjell Carlström was pleased with the performance of his leader, as well as the result of Reto Hollenstein who finished in 10^th place for the stage.

“Reto won an honorable mention with his performance, particularly considering just how much work he did for Marcel throughout the race.  Naturally after a week like they’ve had, the legs are not as fresh as at the beginning.  As for Marcel, he put in a good performance under difficult conditions with the narrow, undulating roads, alone against the clock.  It’s never easy to find your rhythm on a route like that.  It only gives his result that much more merit.”

On the eve of the grand finish in Viseu, the IAM Cycling directeur sportif could not hide his hope that the team would be in at the finale, playing for the stage win.

“We will certainly work to make it happen.  I hope that Sébastien Hinault or Aleksejs Saramotins can provide a successful conclusion.”