Giro d’Italia – Stage 5 – Sylvain Chavanel «I came up against someone stronger than me, but it feels good to be at the front of a race»

The first summit finish of the Giro d’Italia offered fine poaching grounds for the bold.  Having been in the escape group from the first hour of racing, Jan Polanc (Lampre-Merida) managed to slip the leash of his four companions and retain a margin of 1’31” in order to win the stage at the top of the Abetone.  A fellow fugitive for the day, Sylvain Chavanel determined to roll up his sleeves over the course of the stage, and ended by finishing a fantastic 2^nd place just ahead of overall favorites Fabio Aru (Astana) and Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo).  Contador came away from the stage with the leader’s pink jersey.

(source: Giro d’Italia)

Following three difficult days, IAM Cycling riders have managed to show themselves still with style.  Before setting off at the start of the 5^th stage, Chavanel made a clear declaration that he would try to be a topic of conversation over the course of the day: “I have found some good feelings in my legs and am determined to show what I can do.”  The multiple time trial champion of France did not renege on his announcement, and managed to find the right breakaway group along with four other riders.  “I managed to slip into the right group of guys for the break, even though Thursday’s stage will likely suit my qualities since it is longer.  But never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”

“We rode along well together and had a good pace.  The stage was less difficult than those that we have faced since Sunday.  This meant it was a great opportunity to be at the front.  I am still not quite in top form, but I managed my efforts.  Of course, I’d be even happier if I had won, but I was just lacking a little pep on the climbs that pitched above 6-7%.  I came up against someone who was stronger than me, but it still feels good to be at the front of a race.  I intend to try my luck again.  For the team, it was also important to show that we have the firepower to fight.”

Kjell Carlström, directeur sportif for IAM Cycling along with Rubens Bertogliati, appreciated the huge effort his rider made.  “Tuesday we just were trying to get through the stage.  And I said to the guys in the briefing to give it a go.  But I hardly thought that Sylvain would manage to hang on for second place on a summit finish that was going to be greedily eaten up by the GC favorites.  Nevertheless, he did succeed in putting in a great performance.  For the team morale, this 2^nd place came just at the right time.  Indeed, Thursday’s stage we will be placing all our forces at the disposal of Matteo Pelucchi, since the stage should end in a sprint where his speed could come to the fore.”