24 July 2016
IAM Cycling
THE EXCLIMATION
From Rik Verbrugghe, the sports manager for the Swiss World Tour team: Michel Thétaz, the founder of IAM Cycling, can be proud of this team. Even though it had already been announced that the teams adventure would end, the mindset of the group still made possible this sort of performance.
THE QUOTE
As given by Michel Thétaz, founder of IAM Cycling: Of course, there is a feeling of nostalgia when thinking that this Tour de France exceeded all expectations. We managed to win a stage, and secure prestigious podium places, which allowed us to achieve our goal. But I am also pleased that we managed to give young riders a leg up, and have given other riders the chance to shine on their future teams.
THE EXPLANATION
According to Rik Verbrugghe: The team gave another example of perfect unison when working together today. On the Champs-Elysées, everyone performed to their limit in a remarkable and efficient manner. But in the end we had some bad luck. Oliver Naesen, an important member of our sprint train, punctured with five kilometers to go, and then Sondre Holst Enger, the rider we were working for, punctured just 500 meters further on. That meant our chance to win the stage was blown, since it was way too late to begin to work to launch Leigh Howard. Aside from that, we lost Reto Hollenstein in a late crash.
THE NUMBER
12 – That is the number of top-10s that IAM Cycling earned in the 2016 Tour de France, highlighted by one stage win and two second places (all courtesy of Jarlinson Pantano), as well as a third place from Sondre Holst Enger in Bern.
THE UNFORTUNATE
Sondre Holst Enger. The talented young Norwegian sprinter punctured with less than six kilometers to go to the finish while the whole team was working to launch him for the final sprint.
THE ANALYSIS
From Jarlinson Pantano. First, let me say that I am disappointed to see the end of the IAM Cycling adventure. This team was really fantastic, and I found a second family during my long absences from home. Of course, I am very happy with my place in the top-20. I prepared very hard for this event, and my performance did not leave anyone guessing regarding my abilities. My stage win and the two second places were well above my general expectations. And I have to thank sincerely and from my heart all my teammates and the entire team for helping me achieve these feats.
THE INJURED
Reto Hollenstein. A victim of a crash with just three kilometers to go to the finish, the tall rider from the Thurgau suffered superficial wounds on his right side, including the shoulder, elbow, side, knee and ankle.
Pictures – BettiniPhoto & Sirotti
