GP de Montréal – Mathias Frank «In the final, I was missing that little extra something to stay the best»

Two days after the Grand Prix de Quebec, the peloton was again at work in Montreal. The pack put on a suspenseful show in front of hardy fans who came to watch this WorldTour event raced under trying weather conditions.  The heavy rain was responsible for the large number of rides who dropped out of the event before completing the 17 laps which covered a 12.1 kilometer circuit around the Canadian city. That did not stop Tim Wellens (Lotto Soudal) from attacking on the final climb in the company of Adam Yates (Orica GreenEDGE), and then taking the win in a sprint, though Alberto Rui Costa (Lampre) had managed to bridge up nearly in time for the win.  For IAM Cycling, the Canadian campaign did not end with a win or even a place in the top-10, though that had been the goal before crossing the Atlantic.  Though accompanied by strongman Reto Hollenstein (44th in the end) on the final circuit, Mathias Frank finished 36th and Dries Devenyns ended in 57th. 

Though tired after more than 200 kilometers raced in heavy rain, Mathias Frank remained lucid when analyzing the reasons for not performing up to expectations.  “We rode all day à bloc in very difficult conditions.  It was tough, but it was the same for everyone.  I tried to escape a few times with strong riders, but always in vain.  The team struggled to help me, and in the end I had just Reto and Dries at my side.  By the finish, I was missing just that little something extra to be able to follow the best.” Teammate Reto Hollenstein, who is a constant worker for his leaders, reiterated Frank’s assessment.  “The conditions were pretty extreme.  We rode all day in the rain at a very high tempo.  The road was slippery and I tried my best to protect Mathias, and help him get close to be able to play for the win.” 

IAM Cycling directeur sportif, Marcello Albasini emphasized the impact that he weather had on the race.  “The event itself is already very difficult because of the topography that the circuit offers.  Today the weather made it even that much harder.  The race started at a very high speed, and in the end we had just three riders left.  In addition we had to change bikes for Dries Devenyns.  He was forced to improvise for those last two circuits.  And so then unfortunately, Mathias Frank was not able to enter the top-10 for the day.”