28 August 2014
IAM Cycling
On the eve of the finish of the Tour du Poitou-Charentes, Sylvain Chavanel hit the race hard by winning the time trial of LIsle Jourdain. The six-time French time trial champion made no secret of his strength, succeeding in relegating Sven Tuft to second place on the stage, a whopping 45 seconds back. All at once, the IAM Cycling rider has taken over the leaders jersey with a very comfortable advantage.
Having just recovered from his efforts, Chavanel did not try to hide his satisfaction.
Given the fact that Cavendish is here racing, I decided to focus on what I can do. With the time trial, I had a chance to play for the win, but there is always a little apprehensiveness. I am racing at home and the pressure is greater than in any other race. Everyone predicted my victory. It did me good to win, but I am especially pleased with the way I won. All the excellent opponents like Tuft or Cummings were more than 40 seconds behind me, which is a good sign for my prospects through the end of the season. And frankly, on this course, I really enjoyed myself.
Directeur sportif for IAM Cycling, Eddy Seigneur, himself formerly a time trial specialist, enjoyed the demonstration his rider gave.
It was impressive. He blew up the time trial. It was beautiful to see because I had never seen him like that.
