Tirreno-Adriatico – Stef Clement – We have finished in our rightful –

THE CONFIRMATION

Fifth place for the IAM Cycling team. “I am happy with what we have accomplished,” Stef Clement said after his effort for the day. “We stayed together as eight riders for a long time. Everyone took his relay exactly as he was supposed to. The plan was followed to the millimeter. I don’t think that we made any mistakes. We have made progress in this discipline, which can be complicated and technical. Our fifth place attests to this. We have finished in our rightful place and we do not have to be ashamed of this result.”

THE ANALYSIS

“Technically, I can find no fault in how the riders performed,” Rik Verbrugghe confessed. “The stage was 22 kilometers long, and we are only 12 seconds off the winning time by BMC, a team that has already been the world champion in team time trials twice. Globally, they are currently the reference team. I am convinced that with a little more luck, and riders all in their best form, we could have a place on the podium.”

THE POSITIVE POINT

Mathias Frank and Jarlinson Pantano’s places in the general classification. Just twelve seconds separate the two IAM Cycling riders from Daniel Oss (BMC), the current holder of the blue leader’s jersey. “The first stage was definitely an important day for the final classification,” explained Leigh Howard, who was one of the big engines for the team on Wednesday. “Of course these 22 kilometers will not determine everything, but it was important to be among the best.   And we were. We have been able to place our leaders Frank and Pantano in a good position ahead of the next two stages. The team time trial is far from my favorite event, but on Wednesday I was able to use my experiences and strengths that I have acquired from racing on the track. I am happy and proud to have been able to help the team in this event today.”

THE GLANCE

The streets of Lido di Camaiore proved not to be unknown to Rik Verbrugghe. The IAM Cycling sports manager won a great solo victory here during the seventh stage of the 2002 Tour of Italy.

Pictures – BettiniPhoto2016