Michel Thétaz «I could not have explained refusing a place in the WorldTour for 2015 to our quality riders and motivated staff»

The WorldTour ceased to be a distant dream for IAM Cycling.  The Licensing Board responsible for allotting the sought after tickets to the top league, gave the green light to the Swiss Pro Continental team after examining its case for promotion.  The UCI then endorsed this decision.

As of January 1, 2015, IAM Cycling, which joined the professional ranks as a Pro Continental team when founded in 2013 by IAM Funds CEO Michel Thétaz, will join the cycling elite as the 18th team in the World Tour.  This promotion, was the icing on the cake of the team’s second season which was marked by great performances such as Matthias Brändle’s Hour Record, as well as 38 podiums and 17 victories including WorldTour wins by Matteo Pelucchi and Sylvain Chavanel.

At the official announcement regarding the change in status for his team, which will now be obliged to race all events on the WorldTour calendar including the Giro, the Tour and the Vuelta, team founder Michel Thétaz welcomed the hard work accomplished behind the scenes in recent weeks.

“We have completed our second season as among the very best teams in our class and we are ready to continue to progress.  However, I realize one thing: I could never have explained to our high-quality riders and motivated staff my reasons if I had refused to go into the WorldTour for 2015.  The circumstances were favorable and to have had to tell my riders that they would not be going to the Giro again through a lack of an invitation would have pained me.  Since only idiots refuse to change their minds, I decided to make the jump.  We worked hard to be able to present a strong case to the Licensing Board, in spite of the fact that it was at pretty short notice.  We are ready to play in the big leagues with an increase in numbers for both riders and support staff.  Under these conditions, I am keen to talk with people who wish to help a team advocating a new cycling.  Next year, IAM Cycling will have increased visibility in the WorldTour.  With our jersey that was elected the best design of any 2014 squad, the riders will be ready to make even more sparks.  I have already been convinced of that after my interviews with them during our first team meeting in October.”