Ster ZLM Toer – Kjell Carlström – We were pretty unlucky –

THE EXPLANATION

Though it’s undeniable that Leigh Howard failed to achieve the main goal of the day for the team in the mass sprint, which was of course to win the stage, mitigating circumstances must be considered: the Australian rider, who was the designated sprinter for the Swiss team at the ZLM, has been hampered by pain in the perineum, which has prevented him from racing to the best of his abilities. Consequently, he was converted into a teammate deluxe with Roger Kluge.

THE ASSESSMENT

According to Kjell Carlström: “We really were unlucky at this ZLM,” the Finnish directeur sportif conceded. “Having started with eight riders, we had to deal with three of them needing to abandon mid-race, greatly reducing the impact of the work that the team could do. Nevertheless, this didn’t prevent a few of our riders from distinguishing themselves. Roger Kluge took a fine fourth place in the time trial. And Vegard Stake Laengen came very close to winning on Saturday after an impressive solo attempt.”

THE PROGESSION

Of Simon Pellaud. “Simon has performed very well throughout this week,” Carlström pointed out. “I certainly noted his attacking temperament.” Valiant and careful in his efforts, the young Swiss rider finished the ZLM satisfied. “The profile was varied throughout the week. This allowed me to do a good block of work in preparation for the Swiss national championships next week. I feel I have progressed and I have moved up to a good level this season.”

THE PLACING

Of Roger Kluge. The German rider, who recently won a stage at the Giro, finished in sixth place in the overall classification, 30 seconds behind the winner, Sep Vanmarcke.

THE RELIEF

Shaken by a violent crash 500 meters from the finish line, the peloton finished the event somewhat banged up. Fortunately, none of the riders from the Swiss IAM Cycling team were among those to hit the ground.

Pictures – BettiniPhoto