30 June 2016
IAM Cycling
THE QUOTE
“The priority is to win a stage,” commented Michel Thétaz, founder of IAM Cycling, just 72 hours before the start of the Tour de France at Mont-Saint-Michel.
THE EXPLANATION
According to Michel Thétaz: We have the talent to win stages in multiple situations. With Sondre Holst Enger, we will focus on his youth and explosiveness to rub shoulders with the best in the sprints. Then we have more experienced riders who will be called upon to shine on the hillier and mountainous stages. With guys like Elmiger, Frank as well as Pantano, we want to continue the successful dynamics that we have enjoyed at the Giro and the Tour de Suisse.
THE ANECDOTE
For the team presentation, which is scheduled for Thursday, June 30th at Saint-Mère-Eglise, at 6:50pm for IAM Cycling, the nine riders and their directeurs sportifs will arrive aboard vintage military vehicles that belong to the Utah Beach Museum.
THE ANALYSIS
Having taken 8th place in the 2015 Tour de France, Mathias Frank has this to say: The cold that caused me to abandon the Tour de Suisse is now forgotten. I was well looked-after. And at the Swiss championships, I felt the way I should. I still have some strength to regain, but I am confident that will come quickly in the early part of the race. We have an interesting team with an aggressive temperament. And we come with guys who have the talent to play for the win on any stage. I will certainly not be the last one to try my luck.
THE EMOTION
From Martin Elmiger. The Tour de France will decide the rest of my career as a professional racer. Thats why I am going to try my best to make the most of it and especially to enjoy myself during one of the toughest races in the world.
THE BOTTLE CARRIER
For his third participation in La Grande Boucle, Reto Hollenstein is ready to do anything required of him during these three weeks. Personally, I feel it is an honor to be selected for the most beautiful race in the world. I do not yet precisely know what my role will be. In any case, I expect to protect and assist Mathias Frank in his hunt for a place in the top-10 overall. But if the team also gives me a chance to get into a breakaway, I will certainly take it.
THE MENU FOR THE TOUR
Across the plains, two time trials, 28 cols with five summit finishes, and a total of 3535 kilometers will be travelled before the winner of the Tour de France will be known on the Champs-Elysées in Paris on Sunday, July 24th.
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Pictures – IAM Cycling / Merot
