13 June 2016
IAM Cycling
THE QUOTE
We all suffered because of the weather, Jarlinson Pantano said after having a moments recovery at the end of the second stage. The final was difficult with two short but steep climbs. And then the rain further complicated the race.
THE EXPLANATION
According to Jarlinson Pantano, who took a strong 11th place in a finale that was packed with suspense: I focused on the sprint. Unfortunately, there were several roundabouts that broke up the flow of the pack, and we never managed to cork up the seconds separating us from the breakaway.
THE EXCLAMATION
Coming from Martin Elmiger at the finish of this second breathless stage. I did not even have time to get cold. However, contrary to comments made by some of the fans and other specialists, I am not a fan of days like this.
THE WEATHER
The crosswinds and the rain hampered the riders throughout the afternoon of racing between Grosswangen, near Luzern, and Rheinfelden, near the German border. It would be easy to believe that the sunny skies had decided not to accompany the riders since the beginning of the season.
THE ANALYSIS
As provided by Rik Verbrugghe, manager and directeur sportif for IAM Cycling: I was aware that the riders would likely be experiencing a stage worthy of a northern classic due to the unfavorable weather conditions they would be facing. And that turned out to be the case. We missed out on joining the break, but that did not matter in the end. By the finish, Mathias Frank did not lose any time with the help of all his teammates, and then Jarlinson Pantano nearly cracked the top-10 in the final sprint.
THE MENU OF THE DAY
The Tour de Suisse will make its brief visit to the French region of the country on Tuesday. With a stage arrival in Champagne, the sprinters should have another opportunity to aim for the victory before the race hits the high mountains on Wednesday.
Race Pictures – BettiniPhoto2016
