28 August 2016
IAM Cycling
THE EXCLAMATION
From Dries Devenyns: I just didnt have the legs to win, and I am disappointed.
THE FACT OF THE DAY
IAM Cycling has been extremely active and at its best once again in the 9th stage of the Vuelta. Among a break comprised of nine other riders, the Swiss team had two of its own, Mathias Frank and Dries Devenyns who played leading roles. The Belgian Devenyns even managed to ride himself into a two-man attack that lead through the flamme rouge before eventually finishing in second place on the stage. Mathias Frank ended the day in fifth place behind the stage winner, David De La Cruz (Etixx- Quickstep), who also grabbed the red jersey.
THE QUOTE
Given by Mathias Frank: I am still feeling very good, but lacking that little something extra needed to play for the win.
THE EXPLANATION
Offered again by Dries Devenyns. I attacked twice in order to place Mathias Frank in a good position. But his group never caught back up to us. When my opponent attacked, I tried to change my gears, but I did not have the strength to flip it up to the big chain ring. He was the strongest in that situation. I am of course disappointed because its not every day that you find yourself in a position to play for a victory in a grand tour stage. But hey, I have done my best and David De La Cruz deserved to win.”
THE STORY
IAM Cycling founder Michel Thétaz was following his team racing in two different events today by having two tvs going at the same time. After which, he released this message: Congratulations to all, it was exceptional!
THE ANALYSIS
From Marcello Albasini. The team did exactly what we asked of them in the briefing before the race. Dries Devenyns and Mathias Frank managed to join and power the breakaway. Unfortunately we were just missing a touch of strength to grab another victory. Thats a shame since Dries was really on track before stumbling a bit in the final.
THE NUMBER
20 – That is the number of second places that IAM Cycling has chalked up since the start of the season, which help to make up the total number of 51 podiums, including Oliver Naesens victory today in Plouay.
THE MENU FOR THE DAY
With 3609 meters in altitude gain, the 188.7 kilometer 10th stage from Lugones to Lagos de Covadonga promises to be a huge tussle among the overall favorites for the race. That will be certain since the final climb is 12.2 kilometers long and offers an average gradient of 7.2% with some passages over 17% gradient.
Pictures – BettiniPhoto
