28 February 2016
IAM Cycling
THE TEAMS TOP FINISHER
Jarlinson Pantano. The Colombian cyclist was very active in the Lugano race. He was present in many attacks throughout the day, and was then in the middle of the fight for victory at the finish. It was a very hard race. The circuit and the weather conditions made it all very demanding, Pantano explained. We came with a good team, and I knew I could rely on great support. In the last kilometers, I was in a group of three off the front, but unfortunately a few riders bridged up before the finish, and I ended up fifth in the sprint out of a small group. Thats a pity because it was very difficult to keep track of the whole picture. In the end, I am happy with my performance in this tough race.
THE ANALYSIS
We witnessed a very hard race today,directeur sportif Marcello Albasini confirmed. The conditions were tough, but everyone had to face them equally. We were well prepared and brought a good team, as the result proves. We were active and also well represented at the end with Pantano at the head of the race. Too bad that that small group was able to bridge from behind, so that he was only able to manage fifth.
THE WEATHER
In addition to the very undulating circuit in and around Lugano, the weather conditions provided a real stumbling block for the racers. From the first meter to the finish, there was constant rain, and at times excessively heavy downpours. And as if that were not enough, the thermometer never climbed above five or six degrees Celsius.
THE PREMIERE
The GP di Lugano was the first race of the season in Switzerland. And Swiss locals like Mathias Frank had to contend with the weather, too. It was a very cold and wet affair. In the course of the race, my SRM told me it was only 4 ° C. These conditions were just a bit too extreme for me, so in the last lap I just had to let the best go.
THE NUMBER
68 – This is the total number of riders listed as DNFs (did not finish) at the GP di Lugano. That is an unusually high number for a race that took place in what is usually considered the sunny, warm part of Switzerland.
Pictures – BettiniPhoto©2016