18 June 2016
IAM Cycling
THE EXCLAMATION
I have worked hard at home in Columbia for this major objective, Jarlinson Pantano exclaimed after his stunning seventh place at the end of the individual time trial in Davos, where he finished just 25 seconds behind the winner, Jon Izaguirre (Movistar ).
THE QUOTE
I did not go very fast because I still had sore legs after such a demanding stage yesterday, Pantano said after he had dismounted his turbo trainer after his cool-down following his days efforts. Then I found my rhythm and I even managed to get into the 58 chain ring. We all have a week of racing in our legs. And tomorrow there is still a very hard stage to face, and the expected weather conditions will make it even more difficult. But I am ready to give everything to keep my fifth place overall.
THE ANALYSIS
Given by Rik Verbrugghe: I full appreciate the measure of our leaders performance. However, I am not surprised. Jarlinson Pantano has many talents and qualities. He can sprint very well, climb and even be a rouleur. I have already seen evidence of that in the team time trials. For tomorrow, I will not change my mind. We will go for the win even if Jarlinson may risk losing his fifth place. A rider like Jarlinson truly deserves a winners bouquet.
THE FACT OF THE DAY
Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana) took charge of the overall lead by managing a strong second place in the Davos time trial.
THE ANECDOTE
Martin Elmiger preserved his lead in the best Swiss rider with his 23rd place in the time trial with a deficit of 104 to the days winner. It felt like I was scotch-taped to the climb and had trouble generating more than 320 watts.
THE WEATHER
Rain and possibly snow are on the cards for the final stage taking an amazingly scenic route around the Davos region. Plan B is ready in case the weather on the Albula and Fluela passes pose a problem.
Pictures – BettiniPhoto & Tour de Suisse & IAM Cycling
