15 May 2016
IAM Cycling
THE MEN OF THE DAY
Matthias Brändle and Vegard Stake Laengen. Both IAM Cycling riders found the strength to post two great times on the serpentine and treacherous roads of Chianti. This is the first time since joining the professional peloton in 2013 that the Swiss team has managed to place two riders on the podium in a World Tour race.
THE QUOTE
I am very happy for myself and for the team, Matthias Brändle said with a grin after finishing his ride. I didnt do as well in my prologue as I wanted (9th). So today, I was powered by a sense of revenge. After previewing the course, I did a perfect warm-up, and immediately found a good rhythm.
THE EXPLANATION
The ten seconds that cost me the victory are easy to find, explained Matthias Brändle. “Roglic is a few kilos lighter than me, and on that last climb, I was just not able to compete with him. But I have no regrets because I was still able to race over perfectly dry roads.
THE FACT OF THE DAY
This is Vegard Stake Laengen first podium position at the World Tour level. At the time of being interviewed, the tall (195 cm) 27 year old Norwegian was a very happy man. I did a good recon of the course, and managed to memorize all the potential traps that the curves of the route could have. In addition to that, I have often been a strong time triallists over longer distances. So I am not going to deny myself taking pleasure in this result.
THE ANALYSIS
I must congratulate the riders by reacting so well to the challenges faced since the start of the race in the Netherlands,” said Kjell Carlström, one of the directeurs sportifs along with Mario Chiesa for IAM Cycling at the Giro. Matthias Brändle came close to taking the stage since he was feeling great. And then Vegard Stake Laengen proved that he should be reckoned with in this discipline in the coming years.
THE WEATHER
Though the sun was happily shinning until early afternoon, the favorites in the general classification set off on their rides under rainy skies causing slippery conditions which prevented them from coming close to the times set by the early starters.
THE NUMBER
12 – That is the number of points that Matthias Brändle (8) and Vegard Stake Laengen (4) scored in the team classification for the World Tour points through their wonderful performances today.
THE PAY OFF
8261 – In euros, the amount collected in an afternoon by IAM Cycling on account of the two podium positions in the Giro stage, where 2nd place earned 5508 while 3rd place came away with 2753.
Pictures – BettiniPhoto2016
