28 August 2016
IAM Cycling
THE QUOTE
This is by far the biggest win of my career, Oliver Naesen, full of emotion, exclaimed after winning the Bretagne Classic Ouest France. This is the first time I have succeeded in winning a World Tour event. That automatically gives such a success a special flavor.
THE EXCLAMATION
Given by Oliver Naesen once again. When I crossed the line, I realized that this sort of emotion is the reason I train so hard. Its an incredible feeling to have all those sacrifices finally rewarded. I dont ride my bike to finish 50th. I like to win. Alberto Bettiol was very strong, but I knew I could impose my strength. With one kilometer to go, I felt that the peloton would not catch us. When I launched my sprint, I immediately found myself alone. I could really enjoy my moment.
THE NUMBER
With Oliver Naesen success on Sunday, IAM Cycling notched up its 17th victory of the season. The Belgian rider also gave the Swiss team its 50th podium place of the year. A few minutes later, Dries Devenyns took second place in the 9th stage of the Vuelta, to increase the total number of podium places to 51.
THE TACTICS
This new course is really similar to a cobbled classic, explained Thierry Marichal. It was tailor-made for Oliver Naesen. We knew that the last 70 kilometers would be decisive. I gave instructions to the riders to get to the head of the pack at that point. Martin Elmiger, David Tanner and Oliver had carte blanche in the final. Oli was able to show his initiative. Jonathan Fumeaux followed his example, but unfortunately was unable to bridge up to the leading trio. Nevertheless, the race finished as well as we could have hoped. I am completely satisfied.
THE PRIDE
Of Thierry Marichal. “Oliver has proved again this Sunday that he is an extremely talented rider. I am not going to predict that he will win a classic like Paris-Roubaix one day. But when someone is able to win the Grand Prix de Plouay, a World Tour race, you are bound to have a promising future.
THE ATTEMPT
From Jonathan Fumeaux. A member of the counter-attacking group up until a few kilometers from the finish, the Swiss national champion was fully up to the challenges of the new race route. I am happy with how I felt, Fumeaux admitted. With a little more luck, I might have been able to be up front with Oli. But the team won, and that is the important point. Being able to be at the front of a group as powerful as this gives me great confidence and a boost for the rest of the season.
Pictures – Marie Greneche & Olivia Nieto
