20 May 2016
IAM Cycling
THE ANIMATOR
Stefan Denifl. The IAM Cycling climber notched up a splendid 6th place at the end of this first day in the mountains for the Giro. Having escaped in the first hour of racing, Denifl, who comes from the Tyrol, managed to retain enough of his strength and energies to stay with the group of race favorites after the last mountain summit, and finished in the top-10.
THE QUOTE
I really gave everything in the final in order to finish in the top-10, Denifl explained, having been a member of the Swiss World Tour team since its inception. Im happy, but I also have to give a huge thank you to my roommate and compatriot Matthias Brändle for heling me bridge up to the break. Just like he did in the 2015 Tour of Switzerland, he sacrificed himself for me, which allowed me to manage my effort. And I am ready to get back to work tomorrow, especially if I can recover well after this demanding day.
THE EXPLANATION
Kjell Carlström, directeur sportif for IAM Cycling at the Giro along with Mario Chiesa, explained the situation. During the briefing, we emphasized that we should put either Stefan Denifl or Marcel Wyss into the break. Turns out it was Stefan who was able to get into the right group. He certainly performed very well over the first two climbs. Then he sat up a bit to be caught since there were 30 kilometers of flat to get through. It was the best solution, and it allowed him to conserve some strength and still finish with the best. In the upcoming days, we will continue to be on the offensive because our goal is still to win a stage.
THE ANECDOTE
According to the RCS, the organizers of the Giro, Stefan Denifl is the first Austrian ever to win two categorized climbs in a row in the course of a Giro.
THE NUMBER
826 – In euros, that is the amount Stefan Denifl netted for his excellent 6th place finish at the end of the 13th stage of the Giro dItalia.
THE MENU OF THE DAY
Racing between Alpago and Corvara this Saturday, the remaining survivors at the Giro will face no fewer than six categorized mountains for a total gain of 5400 meters in the space of 140 kilometers of racing for what will be the first massive stage to be battled out in the Dolomites.
Race Pictures – BettiniPhoto
