19 February 2016
IAM Cycling
THE FACT OF THE DAY
Jarlinson Pantano never ceases to surprise. Known for his talents as a puncheur and climber, the Colombian on the IAM Cycling team nevertheless finished in 21st place in the time trial just 110 behind the days winner, Fabian Cancellara (Trek-Segafredo). Two days before a demanding summit finish, Pantano, whose nickname in the team is Pais, has moved himself up to 9th place overall.
THE QUOTE
Given the fact that I have had trouble with my health recently, I can accept having finished 11th today, Matthias Brändle explained. I have a little time still to reach 100% before the Paris-Nice prologue, which is my next goal.
THE EXPLANATION
Kjell Carlström, one of the directeurs sportifs in the Algarve along with Eddy Seigneur, praised Jarlinson Pantanos performance. The wind was responsible for complicating the task of our rider. He struggled on the return portion, lacking a bit of power, but he passed through the intermediate time check in 12th place at 34 seconds behind, on the same time as a certain Alberto Contador.
THE ANECDOTE
Jonas Van Genechten and Simon Pellaud worked hard to finish their day within the time limits. And they finished practically wheel to wheel with only 20 hundredths of a second separating them after 18 kilometers.
THE NUMBER
39 – The top speed of the wind gusts that were measured over this exposed course, which saw an average wind speed of 28km/h blow throughout the stage.
Race Pictures – BettiniPhoto©2016
