25 March 2016
IAM Cycling
THE STATEMENT
Of course I am disappointed because an 11th place does not qualify as a top-10, explained Dries Devenyns just before heading off to a doping control. Admittedly, my chance to rejoin the group of the favorites was thanks to Cancellara, who was chasing and the strongest. I had to dismount on the Paterberg in the gutter because I caught up to the other climbers too fast. Because of that I had to produce a huge effort after, and then paid for it in the sprint. But I have good legs, and that bodes well for the Tour of Flanders.
THE ANALYSIS
The idea was to put someone in the break in order to help both of our two team leaders, who were Dries Devenyns and Heinrich Haussler today, Thierry Marichal, directeur sportif for IAM Cycling, commented. And Reto Hollenstein managed to fit himself into the right move. Then Dries Devenyns again proved his great form when he caught onto the group of favorites. Unfortunately, he was edged out of a top-10 by just a few centimeters after reviewing the photo finish. But there is nothing of which we need to be ashamed; the team was equal to the event.
THE ANIMATOR
Reto Hollenstein. The extremely tall rider from the Thurgau region of Switzerland proved to be among the strongest in his getaway with eight other riders. We worked well towards our goal, Hollenstein said. When the favorites really hit the gas and we were caught after the Taaienberg, it was impossible to follow. I felt good, but Im in my place.
THE PATIENT
Vicente Reynes. With digestive issues, the rider from Mallorca abandoned at the feed zone and will not be well enough to participate at the Gent-Wevelgem on Sunday.
THE PAYOFF
400 euros. That is the amount that Dries Devenyns won for his 11th place after racing 206 kilometers.
THE NUMBER
0 – That is the number of points earned in the World Tour standings at the GP E3 by IAM Cycling since only the top-10 finishers in the race are awarded any points.
Pictures – BettiniPhoto2016
