Giro d’Italia – Stage 7 – Aleksejs Saramotins «My first job is to work for the team, but if I have my own chances I will seize it»

The Giro d’Italia had its longest day of the race since finishing up in San Remo a week ago.  The riders registered on their power meters nearly 270 kilometers covered including the neutral zone, and more than seven hours in the saddle.  That did not stop Diego Ulissi (Lampre Merida) from winning with authority after a false flat sprint, while Alberto Contador was able to retain his pink jersey despite dislocating his shoulder in a crash at the finish of the previous stage.  For IAM Cycling, this finish designed for the punchers like Sylvain Chavanel and Heinrich Haussler, proved to be a touch too difficult to improve on their second places of the two previous stages. Stef Clement, Sylvain Chavanel and Sébastien Reichenbach were all able to finish with the main group of favorites. 

Before enjoying a shower and a well-deserved massage, Aleksejs Saramotins discussed his day that was nearly like all the others.  “The stage was not only very long, but also there was a strong headwind in the first section.  The average speed was impacted, and there were a lot of guys dropped near the end.  Personally, I wanted to try and help Heinrich Haussler prepare for a good position in the final sprint.  But he was not at his best today, and had to drop back from the main pack on the penultimate climb.  In this Giro, my first job is to be there to work for the team, but if I have my own chance, I will certainly seize it.  We’ll just see how my legs respond.”

Thierry Marichal, directeur sportif along with Kjell Carlström, highlighted the effects the length of the stage had on the guys before describing how the team performed.  “The day was complicated both because of the distance and because of the weather.  The unfavorable wind that accompanied them for much of the day weighed down the average.  And I am convinced that the effects of this stage will still be felt by the riders for several days.   Today we were counting on Heinrich Haussler, but he was not at his best and had to drop back from the lead group.  It’s not a big deal since this is a long tour.  And after two excellent performances by the team, it’s understandable to go a day without a result.”