05 July 2016
IAM Cycling
THE QUOTE
This is a great reward for my first Tour de France, and especially since Im not scorched, Oliver Naesen said after having been elected the most combative of the day by a jury of specialists as a reward for having powered a break for around 230 kilomters.
THE EXPLANATION
As provided by Oliver Naesen. There was a lot of activity at the front of the pack with the attempts by the riders from the sprinters teams. Rik Verbrugghe was certain to give us the green light to go into the breakaway. I took Alexis Gougeards wheel and we escaped. We caught up with the other two riders, and we worked well together to keep our advantage ahead of the peloton. But there was no chance to stay away in this final. I did try to revive the break one last time on that final climb, but there was too much at stake for the pack to let us succeed. At least I do not return to the hotel empty handed. This combativity prize is a great reward.
THE FACT OF THE DAY
Sondre Holst Enger earned his second sixth place finish in as many days after a suspenseful sprint which was won in another photo finish by Marcel Kittel (Etixx-Quickstep) ahead of Bryan Coquard. Nevertheless, Holst Enger, who at 22 is the youngest rider in the peloton, was not entirely pleased with his splendid performance. I am disappointed because there are guys who were able to put out more power on this false flat finish. It was a really difficult arrival, and my legs failed me in the last 100 meters.
THE ANALYSIS
Given by Rik Verbrugghe, sports manager of IAM Cycling: I am happy with the team. Oliver responded well when I told them that I wanted one of our riders in the breakaway. He found the right wheel to take, and proved his strength by being voted the most combative award. As for Sondre Holst Enger, he confirmed all his best qualities by taking another very good sixth place in this sprint that was reserved for the beefy riders. He needs to address just two or three details in order to play realistically for the win.
THE EXCLIMATION
Tomorrow it will be very important to be in the break because it will be the first foray into the mountains and the favorites will be taking the measure of each other for the first time, Rik Verbrugghe confirmed.
THE PAYOFF
2780. That is the sum collected by Oliver Naesen (2000 for the combativity prize) and Sondre Holst Enger (780 for his placing) during the course of the fourth stage from Saumur to Limoges.
THE MENU FOR THE DAY
Travelling between Limoges and Le Lioran, the riders of the Tour de France will click off 216 kilometers with no fewer than six categorized climbs before finishing up at 1235 meters above sea level.
Pictures – Race (BettiniPhoto), other pictures (IAM/Merot)
