22 June 2016
IAM Cycling
THE QUOTE
My legs werent on fire, Reto Hollenstein said before heading off to doping control. But a second place is a second place on this pretty technical course, especially with that dangerous descent. I felt comfortable on the first lap of the circuit, after which I suffered a serious slump.
THE EXPLANATION
From IAM Cycling directeur sportif Marcello Albasini: With his second place, Reto has slotted into a good spot, but I immediately felt already this morning that he was not on a great day. On a circuit as demanding as this, there is no forgiveness.
THE FACT OF THE DAY
This was the 10th Swiss national time trial championship for Fabian Cancellara, an appropriate way to bid farewell in view of his retirement that will come at the end of the season.
THE LOCAL BOY
Simon Pellaud found that the encouragement he received from local supporters lifted him to a strong fourth place among the elite specialists. I went deep over the course of these two loops. I came away with a great time for myself, and am really looking forward to Sundays road race.
THE REGIONAL BOY
Jonathan Fumeaux was disappointed with his performance. I did not manage to post a great time on this dangerous parcours with that perilous descent. In addition to that, I was impeded by a motor bike, and then narrowly escaped disaster with an on-coming car. But in any case, I never managed to find a good rhythm.
THE ORGANISER
The VC Excelsior really rolled up their sleeves and even managed to block off the center of Martigny in order to ensure the safe departure and arrival of all the riders. That was an accomplishment that all participants appreciated, even if everything was not perfect all around.
THE INFO
After having already taken part in the individual time trial, Jonathan Fumeaux and Simon Pellaud will also be competing in the road race championships on Sunday with seven other Swiss riders from IAM Cycling. Since this race is happening practically in their own back gardens, the two Valaisans will be keen to shine and show their stuff.
THE NUMBER
33 – That was the temperature in Celsius that the riders had to contend with when they raced their time trials.
THE NON-SWISS
Aleksejs Saramotins. Competing in his own Latvian national time trial championships today, the IAM Cycling rider posted a time worthy of second place, having conceded 50 seconds to Gatis Smukulis (Astana), who won the event for the sixth time.
Pictures – IAM Cycling / Merot
