25 September 2016
IAM Cycling
THE EXCLAMATION
From Oliver Naesen. My generosity penalized me, but that is also a trademark of my style, with which I have also managed to win races.
THE QUOTE
Again offered by Oliver Naesen. Up until we passed under the flamme rouge, I was certain I was the strongest of the group.
THE EXPLANATION
According once again to Oliver Naesen: I wasnt hesitating when attacking. I took my responsibilities and went to the front of the group. It cost me strength for the final sprint where I really pushed myself without ever really catching back up to the winner Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data).
THE FACT OF THE DAY
Over the course of 197.8 kilometers between Bornem and Geraardsbergen, the riders scaled a whopping 17 climbs, including the famous Mur de Grammont three times, if counting the last time up when the finish line placed at the half-way point. And though Boasson Hagen managed to win the stage, Niki Terpstra (Quickstep-Etixx), the other member of the breakaway, ended up winning the ENECO Tour for 2016.
THE ANALYSIS
According to Rik Verbrugghe. “Michel Thétaz, founder of IAM Cycling, can be proud of his troops. Ever since it was announced that the team would be folding, the guys have stood in solidarity, and have given their best to finish the season in style. Oliver Naesens two trips to the podium today proves that fact.
THE WEATHER
Though the stage began with welcomed warm sunny temperatures, the riders completed their task accompanied by rainy skies for the final of the ENECO Tour.
THE ORGANIZER
The ENECO Tours organizer deserves a big congratulations for being the first race to have learned the lessons offered by the serious accidents caused by the over-abundance of race motorcycles. The motos succeeded in performing their roles well by taking parallel routes alongside the police.
THE RECORD
56 – That is the number of podium finishes that IAM Cycling has earned since the beginning of the season, the most ever earned by the Swiss professional team that started racing in January 2013.
THE UNLUCKY
Martin Elmiger. Suffering from bronchitis since the beginning of the race, the 38 year old rider from Zug was forced to abandon the race Sunday morning before the start of the stage in Bornem.
Pictures – BettiniPhoto & IAM Cycling
