Johann Tschopp «The climber’s jersey is a great recompense»

Michaël Albasini (Orica GreenEDGE) has left a definite mark on the Tour of Romandie by grabbing another bold victory at the end of the stage around Fribourg. IAM Cycling also secured its position on the record books of the 2014 Romandie race for the second year in a row.

First Matthias Brändle won the points jersey in the 2013 edition, now Johann Tschopp has secured his place on the podium at the final celebration in Neuchâtel to collect his reward for winning the best climber’s jersey of the race.  It was not easy with a day fighting the cold, the wind and the undulating course imagined up by the organizers, Tschopp, led by Marcello Albasini and Rubens Bertogliati, felt like he had enjoyed a certain amount of success.

“I am pleased with this outcome.  I did not have to fight to get in the break.  And a victory in a jersey classification is as good for the team as it is for the rider.  The first climb to Lens was a big goal for me coming into the race.  I had some health problems earlier in the season and I was a little worried.  But I saw my form coming on, and this bodes well for the Tour of Bavaria and the Tour of Switzerland where I always feel at ease.”

Mathias Frank, still 5^th overall, is looking with clarity on his prospects regarding the time trial which will decide the outcome on Sunday.

“Today was important to get through without wasting time or energy and avoiding all falls along the circuit.  The team managed the day perfectly and we are now well placed on the eve of the final decider.  This we are well prepared to negotiate.  I am going to meet the challenge tomorrow.  That’s not to say, though,  that I don’t know what a tough task I have to face with guys like Nibali and Rui Costa to compete against.”