IAM Cycling mixes with the big boys at Oman

Christopher Froome (Sky) showed his stuff. Months before he will have to defend his place at the Tour de France, the Englishman won a resounding victory at the top of Green Mountain for the fifth stage of the Tour of Oman, and took control of the overall lead in the process, just one day before the finish.

IAM Cycling placed itself in the middle of the final fight and found a certain amount of success.  Thomas Löfkvist grabbed 18th place, while Johann Tschopp nosed his way into the top 15 by taking 13th on the day, which puts him in good company with an excellent 9th place on the overall classification.

Kjell Carlström, the directeur sportif for the Swiss Pro Continental team, said he was proud of his team.

“Everyone has put his whole heart into his work.  It was impressive to see the team work that way.  We agreed yesterday that today we would work to bring Mathias, Thomas and Johan to the base of the climb in the best possible condition.  When I look at the standings, and look at the riders who are ahead of us, I think that we are not far from all the best in the world.”

Thomas Löfkvist came to this race to test himself for his first goals at the Tirreno-Adriatico, and he could not hide his satisfaction in view of his results.

“I have pain in my legs, but I know why.  Although I did not come here to win, I gave my maximum.  And I relied on the work of all the guys.  There is really a very impressive team spirit.  Personally, I know I am on schedule to be 100 % for the Tirreno-Adriatico.  And that gives me confidence.”