Classic de l’Indre – Kevyn Ista «I was missing just 100 meters»

Kevyn Ista very nearly claimed his first victory in IAM Cycling colors.  The Belgian rider for the Swiss Pro Continental team was captured by the peloton a few hundred meters from the line, allowing Iljo Keisse (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) to win the sprint of the Classic de l’Indre.

Upon reflection, Kevyn Ista had a heavy heart.

“I was not feeling very well initially, but the sensations improved with the kilometers.  In the end, I decided to make an attack for myself since I will not be wearing this jersey next year.  I took off with just a touch more than 2 kilometers to go, and I missed the win by less than 100 meters.  It’s infuriating, but it’s the way it often works out in this sport.  I’ll try it again next week at the Tour du Poitou-Charentes, which is slightly less difficult than the Tour du Limousin.”  

Kjell Carlström, the directeur sportif for IAM Cycling explained the strategy that the team put in place during the morning briefing.

“We had expected to go in a breakaway provided it looked to have a chance.  But all attempts proved unsuccessful because the peloton was riding full-out.  Then four men found an opening, but Androni, Columbia and Neri Sottoli went to the head of the peloton and shut it down.  In the final, Kevyn put in a really good move.  He was not very far away from a fantastic achievement.  This will give him a lot of good visibility and who know, he could find himself with a contract for next season thanks to this attack.”