Tour de Suisse – Marcello Albasini «We’re pretty happy»

The Tour of Switzerland kicked off today. World time trial champion Tony Martin (Omega Pharma – Quick-Step) won the 9.4 kilometer prologue in Bellinzona and will be the first leader of the race.

One day before the queens stage that will climb four major passes (Gotthard, Furka, Grimsel and Brünig), the IAM Cycling riders are off to a good start and are optimistic for the coming weeklong race around Switzerland.

Marcello Albasini, who is a directeur sportif along with Kjell Carlström, was satisfied with his riders at the end of the prologue in Bellinzona.

“We can be satisfied with this start.  Although we did not have a perfect day, we weren’t terrible and we are still well placed among the favorites.  With thunderstorms forcasted for the day, the planning of the race order for the riders became a little more difficult, but luckily everyone was able to race in dry conditions.  So really everyone raced under the same circumstances, though the wind did change a bit throughout the day. 

Mathias, Marcel, Reto and Martin all had a good prologue.  We are definitely in a good starting position for the days to come.  Since we are not among the favorites, we will not be expected to take any responsibility from the beginning.  That makes it a bit easier for us.”

IAM Cycling’s best finisher and team leader, Mathias Frank, finished 16th, losing 34 seconds to Tony Martin, but only 2 seconds to Bradley Wiggins and was 8 seconds faster than last year’s winner, Rui Costa.  Frank was satisfied with his result.

“It was a tough start today.  A hard climb and a very technical descent made it challenging.  Before the race it was a bit difficult for me to get focus, but I am in constant contact with my wife and she is doing better.  Knowing she is better helped me feel calm and turn my attentions to the race.  My time was neither a victory or a catastrophe.  I did my best and I did not lose too much time, so that is pretty good to move forward with.  And as I said yesterday, I will now take it day by day, and I hope it gets better and better.  At least I know my form is good.”