IAM TDF Stage 11 – Martin Elmiger «I try to be in a break again»

IAM Cycling tried again to grab a stage win in the 101^st Tour de France.  Although Tony Gallopin (Lotto-Belisol) was the rider who found the right opening to win his first stage after already having worn the yellow jersey, the Swiss Pro Continental team spent much of the day in the thick of the action.

Serge Beucherie announced during the rest day that the team’s riders would be fighting for the stages from the drop of the starting line flag.  Jérôme Pineau set off the first match with an attack and Sylvain Chavanel took up the fight after he was caught.  Finally it was Martin Elmiger who succeeded in igniting the main break of the day.  Unfortunately, his two breakaway companions Anthony Delaplace and Cyril Lemoine were not up to the task.

In reviewing the stage, the Swiss road national champion who had already been in a breakaway of over 200 kilometers to Nancy in this Tour, regretted that the peloton caught him after being on the front for more than 140 kilometers.  Nevertheless, he has promised to try again.

“Everyone on the team tried to get into the day’s break to represent IAM Cycling.  Unfortunately, Cannondale decided, once again, to work to contain any break.  Added to that, my two breakaway companions were not much help.  It’s a shame because it would have been possible to stay away.  Throughout the day I managed myself well, drinking and eating right, and enjoyed the draft of the motorcycles when possible.  I felt very good and I will definitely try again.  I have spent quite a bit of time in breakaways at the Tour, and I have come within 2 centimeters of victory.  One day it will turn out right for me.”

Eddy Seigneur, directeur sportif along with Kjell Carlström, appreciated the true value of the efforts his riders made, as well as Sylvain Chavanel’s 12^th place on the stage.

“Cannondale and Orica GreenEDGE worked on the front which made Martin Elmiger’s victory impossible.  But I have nothing to say against the work the team did.  The guys showed themselves and raced according to their instructions.  We must remember that this is the Tour de France, and it is very rare for breakaways to succeed.”