09 June 2013
IAM Cycling
Johann Tschopp very nearly opened his victory account riding in IAM Cycling colors during the second stage of the Tour de Suisse.
photo: Heinz Zwicky
Riding from Ulrichen to Crans-Montana, the peloton enjoyed a luxurious tail wind that had them driving the average pace at over 43 kilometers per hour through the Rhone Valley.
And on the difficult climb leading to Vermala, the 30 year old Tschopp put in his best effort for victory before he was caught and passed by the eventual winner, Bauke Mollema (Blanco).
Shortly after the finish, Johann Tschopp welcomed his strong 5th place just 11 seconds off the winner.
Not much was missing for me to raise my arms in victory. Im not a puncheur so I knew I had to anticipate any explosive moves. But I also knew I had to time my effort perfectly. I went on instinct, and the 5th place today bodes well for the rest of the Tour of Switzerland. I need to be mindful that I have not raced for almost three weeks and I was sick a week ago. So this place on the honor roll will motivate me even more.
Sébastien Reichenbach (20th), Marcel Wyss (21st) and Thomas Löfkvist (26th) all contributed to an overall performance that has once again put IAM Cycling at the head of the team classification, which is something they have won already this season at the Four Days of Dunkirk, the Tour of Norway and the Tour of Bavaria.
Good news for the team extended to the announcement that Martin Elmiger and his wife have welcomed a little girl into the family.
The 34 year old from Zug managed to make a lightning fast transfer from Quinto yesterday at the end of the time trial to the maternity ward in the Zug hospital to be present for the birth of his first child.
His wife Monika can receive much of the credit for this happy gift, who arrived at 19.49 Saturday evening.
Julia came into the world to the delight of her proud parents.
IAM Cycling results today
