27 September 2016
IAM Cycling
THE STATEMENT
From Oliver Zaugg: The Tour of Lombardy will be the last race of my career.
THE FACT OF THE DAY
On Saturday, October 1, Oliver Zaugg (35) will return to the place where he celebrated his greatest triumph. In 2011, Zaugg soloed to victory at the Tour of Lombardy. This race was always one of my favorite races, even before my victory. With that in mind, it is all the better that I can have this race also be where I will finish my 13 year career as a professional cyclist, explained Zaugg, who lives in the Italian-speaking Ticino canton of Switzerland.
THE LABOR OF LOVE
Again for Oliver Zaugg: In my career, I have experienced many beautiful moments, and I certainly hope that I can gracefully conclude this chapter of my life as a professional cyclists on Saturday at the Tour of Lombardy.
THE GOAL
Explained by Kjell Carlström, who, along with Mario Chiesa, will be a directeur sportif at Lombardy. Our goal will be to have a rider in the top-10, and if everything goes perfectly, we should even have a chance at a podium position. With Mathias Frank and Jarlinson Pantano, we have two riders who should excel at this sort of race. The race distance, the profile, and also the fact that it comes so late in the season will make this event especially difficult. You really have to have a super day to be successful here.
THE RACE
For the 241 kilometers that the riders will cover between Como and Bergamo, they will be dealing with a constantly undulating profile. This will be especially true for the final 100 kilometers. The 11.6 kilometer Valico di Valcava climb will signal the start of this phase of the race. It is the longest climb of the day, and boasts gradients approaching 17% in sections. From then till the finish, there is virtually not a flat meter of road. The final climb, which is approximately 1.2 kilometers long, comes with only three kilometers remaining until the finish line. The race is long and very difficult. I certainly expect a race of attrition, Oliver Zaugg assured.
THE AMBITIONS
Vuelta stage winner Mathias Frank will be starting his sixth Tour of Lombardy. This is an extremely tough race, and after such a long season, the riders mental strength always plays a big role. That is especially true if the weather is not the best. Personally, I have come out of the Vuelta strong, and I am feeling good. If everything fits together well, this could be a good race for me.
THE END
The Tour of Lombardy is not only the last World Tour race of the season, but will be the final World Tour race ever for the IAM Cycling team. The Swiss team will be dissolved after four years of racing, having had an exceptionally strong final year which included six World Tour victories.
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Pictures – Serge Waldbillig, BettiniPhoto & IAM Cycling
