Objective two Grand Tours for IAM Cycling in 2014

The close proximity to the holiday season has not prevented IAM Cycling from focusing entirely on their preparations for a promising 2014 season.  After a highly successful first year in the peloton, the Swiss professional team has optimized its assets with the aim to securing invitations to participate in two Grand Tours in their second season.

At the team’s service course in Nyon, Switzerland, the team founder and CEO of IAM SA (IAM Investment Funds), Michel Thétaz, along with team manager Serge Beucherie and the four directeurs sportif, Marcello Albasini, Rubens Bertogliati, Kjell Carlstrom and Eddy Seigneur, spoke in turn with the members of the media to emphasis the team’s excellent performance throughout the 2013 season, as well as to illustrate future goals.

The 25 riders under contract for the 2014 season will discuss and refine their calendars this week during a minicamp in the company of their directors.

Apply for the 2014 Giro

While reviewing the team’s performance and foreseeing the future prospects, Michel Thétaz spoke enthusiastically about the team.  “I am very proud of this team.  It’s for that reason that last week we sent our application to the RCS to participate not only in the Giro d’Italia, but also in races like Tirreno-Adriatico and Milan – San Remo.  The other big objective of the season of course involves an invitation to the 2014 Tour de France.  But to accomplish that, we understand that we will have to earn our place with a strong performance in the early season tests, which include the one day classics as well as the renowned stage races.  In our first year we managed to earn sporting results which were nothing short of remarkable.

And our expectations regarding the impact on the business of the parent company were substantially exceeded.  It is not our intention to deviate from this good course.  The more time that passes, the more prepared we will be to participate and succeed at all our races.  With our 25 riders and a support staff of nearly 60 people, our operating structure parallels that of a World Tour team.  According to feedback we’ve received and studies we’ve completed, I am convinced that we are at a level and ability to succeed in managing two Grand Tours in one season.”

Facing the room full of reporters, the general manager continued to display his sincere and full commitment to work on improving every detail, while still displaying his eternal optimism.  “For your information, I can tell you that we are continually focusing on the balance of our team.  As proof, we intend to engage a German directeur sportif.  If I am often criticized for being too enthusiastic, I can only say that if one is not optimistic, there is no chance for progress.”

A good 2013 vintage

For his part, Serge Beucherie confirmed IAM Cycling intends to participate in two major tours in 2014 and will follow-through on the promise shown during the 2013 season.

“For a first season in the peloton, we have built a reputation.  Even with the Pro Continental status, we found ourselves on the center stage at the World Tour events to which we received invitations, no matter whether they were one day races or longer tours.  We finished with 12 victories and won the team classification for stage races three times.   We had sixteen 2^nd place finishes and fourteen 3^rd places.  I can unreservedly claim 2013 to be a good vintage.  We have provided places for neo-pros, but also have under contract many experienced members with results to confirm their talent.  We have offered a new chance to shine to the pros who have had fewer opportunities in the past.  Here everyone has his chance, and I am convinced that we will continue to succeed on this path.  Considering the additions we have made to the team for 2014 and the experience we have gained this past year, we are quite capable of participating successfully in two Grand Tours.”