Tour of Austria – Aleksejs Saramotins: «I managed a good time trial»

The 2013 Tour of Austria will long be engraved in the memories of the IAM Cycling riders, though, depending on which team member, for different reasons.

Though aiming to be on the podium at the end of the stage 7 time trial at Podersdorf, Gustav Larsson did not have the chance to use his new national time trial champion’s jersey after all. Instead the Swedish IAM Cycling rider left the race early Saturday morning to be with his wife who was about to give birth to their first child.

Of the five remaining IAM Cycling riders at the start of Saturday’s stage, Aleksejs Saramotins notched up the best performance for the Swiss team.

Over the 24.1 kilometer wind-swept course, the Latvian road race champion finished a strong 13^th place, ceding only 1’22” to the man of the moment, Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack-Leopard).

After his ride, Saramotins expressed his satisfaction with his performance.

“I was not happy with my fifth consecutive 2^nd place in the Latvian nation time trial championships behind Gatis Smukulis.  Today I really gave it everything that I had in my legs.  And I came away with a pretty good time despite the difficult conditions.  I’m glad that I performed well and it gives me confidence for the next races.”

photos – Werner Kapfenberger – radsportfotos.at