Tour de France – Stage 4 – Mathias Frank – After two difficult days, I saw the end of the tunnel, even if my injury made me suffer on the cobblestones –

The days are passing and not one resembles another on the roads of the Tour de France for IAM Cycling.  After the havoc caused by the Dutch storms and the treacherous roads of Belgium, the riders from the Swiss professional team were able to lift their heads high.  The team spirit worked to give Mathias Frank a chance to smile behind the dust mask covering his face after the fourth stage.  Having taken 28^th place in the same time as Froome, Quintana, Contador and Nibali, all of whom arrived three seconds behind Tony Martin (Etixx-Quickstep), who is now the new leader of the Tour as a result of the bonus seconds he gained.  This performance allowed Frank to climb 16 places in the general classification, landing him back in the top-25.

Having started his night’s recovery routine within ten minutes of arriving at the team bus, Mathias Frank was satisfied with his day.  “It has not always been easy, but all the guys went all out for me.  The pace was high and the nervousness was ever-present in the pack.  I have lost some time due to crashes, and it has not been easy to get back on track today.”

“But after two very difficult stages, I saw the end of the tunnel, even if my injury did cause me to suffer over the cobbles.   The Tour de France is far from being finished.  I must remain attentive every stage leading up to the first rest day, but also during the team time trial where we have a pretty good chance to do well.  Then it will still be soon enough to start thinking about the mountains that are coming.”

Rik Verbrugghe, the manager sportif accompanied by the directeurs sportifs Eddy Seigneur and Mario Chiesa, congratulated the team’s leader, and emphasized the strength of mind and team spirit that both Frank and his teammates have displayed.  “Given the severity of his crash and the residual injuries, I was not overly confident prior to this morning’s departure.  Only Martin Elmiger and Sylvain Chavanel were given a free hand to play their cards.  Both have demonstrated perfect professionalism at all times with the intention of promoting the designs of our leader.”

“And Mathias rose to the challenge, confirming his status, and gritted his teeth despite the suffering he endured.  Sylvain, despite having had the announcement made regarding his contract not being renewed, has proven once again his qualities as a human being.  Today he was again a great professional who started the stage completely in the service of Mathias Frank and his IAM Cycling team, which is a priceless contribution.  It was necessary for Mathias Frank to hit reset.  His early season was difficult and things did not get easier starting with Le Grand Départ in Utrecht.  In spite of that, on this stage with all the dangers the pavé presented, he was able to meet the challenge with his heart and his legs.”