Arctic Race of Norway – Stage 3 – Mathias Frank – Everything is possible at the general and I’m going to try something –

This third stage was undoubtedly the one that the pack feared the most.  With the summit finish, short and tough, the overall ranking was bound to be tipped on its head.  On this kind of day where you have to be able to be present among the best if you have a hope of winning the overall, it was Ben Hermans (BMC) who proved to be the strongest.  In addition to taking the solo stage win three seconds ahead of Rein Taaramae (Astana), the young Belgian rider doubled up on his success by taking over the leader’s jersey as well.  And though Hermans came away with the spoils, Mathias Frank proved himself to be no less remarkable for the IAM Cycling team.  As the third rider to cross the finish line on Saturday, Frank, who took 8th place overall at the Tour de France this year, has managed to move himself up to 5th place on the general classification of the Arctic Race of Norway.  IAM Cycling can also celebrate another top finisher for the day since Marcel Wyss took 9th place at the top of the Målselv climb.

Mathias Frank needed reassurance.  After having lost 11 seconds on the first day due to a small gap at the finish line, the Swiss rider hoped to find his good form from July over the Norwegian roads.  With a podium place on the queen stage, he can feel accomplished.  “The team did a great job for me today, particularly Pirmin Lang, who rode on the front from the start,” Frank explained.  “Everything was up for grabs on that last climb.  I didn’t start it in the best position, and I wasn’t feeling great, and a little fatigued.  Then the kilometers began to tick by, and I felt better and better, so I was able to make the effort to stay with the leaders.  I am glad that I was able to re-find these good sensations because after the Tour, I really needed to rest.  I was able to take a family vacation, and then come here to reassure myself of my condition.  The last stage on Sunday will be another difficult day with a finish on a complicated final circuit.  Everything remains possible regarding the general classification, and I will certainly try something.  Nothing is decided yet.  This was not my main goal of the season, so that gives me the freedom to take a few risks maybe.  For some races, it is often more judicious to be a bit reserved and wait, but here I will take advantage, and I’ll try to get a nice result.”

Kjell Carlström, directeur sportif for IAM Cycling, appreciates this optimism.  “This last climb was short but very tough,” Carlström said.  “Mathias was supposed to follow Taaramäe because we knew that the terrain would suit him, and he negotiated his entire day very well.  His climb up the general classification has also been well-engineered.  The race remains very open, and everything is possible.  Fourth place is only a small second, but it is also realistic to hope for more.”