23 July 2016
IAM Cycling
THE FACT OF THE DAY
Having finished 2nd for the second time in the 2016 Tour de France, Jarlinson Pantano gave IAM Cycling its 4th podium and its 11th time in thetop-10!
THE EXCLAMATION
As given by Jarlinson Pantano: I made a mistake in the first corner of the descent off the Col de Joux Plane and it proved costly enough to lose the stage.
THE EXPLANATION
Again offered by Jarlinson Pantano: I gave everything on the ascent of the Joux-Plane. I started the descent behind Nibali, but he left a gap. I went on his right in order to overtake him, but I had to unclip because I went too hot into the first corner. In spite of my best efforts, I never was able to get back up front. This is a good 2nd place, but I am convinced I had the victory in my legs. I am satisfied with my Tour, and I am very grateful to the entire team. Without them, I would never have been able to get the stage win and these podium places.
THE ANECDOTE
Jarlinson Pantano will wear the red bib number of the combative over the worlds most beautiful avenue, the Champs-Elysées. For the second time in the Tour de France, the jury awarded the prize to Pantano at the end of the 20th stage.
THE ANALYSIS
As given by Rik Verbrugghe. Once again, IAM Cycling put on a very aggressive show at the Tour de France. Jarlinson Pantano managed to carry his escape to the finish. He made a remarkable crossing of the Alps. My only regret is that he did not take the lead at the beginning of the technical descent of the Joux-Plane. Wanting to avoid Nibali, he went into the grass, and that was enough to give Izaguirre the room to go it alone.
THE NUMBER
8 – That is the number of IAM Cycling riders who will finish in Paris on the final stage of the Tour de France, since only Mathias Frank was forced to head home prematurely due to digestive problems.
THE MENU FOR THE DAY
An appetizer when you consider that the mountains are behind the riders, and the 113 kilometers connecting Chantilly to Paris-Champs-Elysées should end with a sprint royal on the most beautiful avenue in the world.
Pictures – IAM Cycling & BettiniPhoto
