Tour of Poland – Stage 7 – Stefan Denifl – We won two stages, and it is not every race that you can celebrate such a success –

The heat at the Tour of Poland has been among the most difficult aspects the riders had to overcome.  With the thermostat touching 38 degrees Celsius, or nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the 25 kilometer individual time trial in the heart of Krakow felt practically like a desert crossing.  Though it did not seem to disrupt Marcin Bialoblocki’s (Team Poland) rhythm, since he came away as the winner of the day with a time of 28’45 ”.  Jon Izagirre (Movistar) was another rider who took advantage of these high temperatures.  The former champion of Spain, also managed to ride a very strong time trial, and gained the precious seconds he needed in order to overhaul the leader board and win the overall classification just two seconds ahead of Bart De Clerrq (Lotto – Soudal).

For IAM Cycling, Larry Warbasse distinguished himself by producing a very good time, just 1’56” behind the stage winner. Stefan Denifl, who acted as the road captain for the Swiss team over the Polish roads, was happy to offer his analysis of the stage as well as the team’s accomplishments throughout the week.  “Overall, we didn’t really have that much stress today since, aside from Sébastien Reichenbach’s position, we didn’t pretend we had too much of a chance to surprise the general classification.  Larry Warbasse certainly had the heart to do well over this course.”

“But for the other guys on the team, I think we were just interested in finishing the race well, and complete what has been a demanding week.  For myself, the heat was not overly disabling since I had the chance to have the wind cool me a little.  But overall, this week has been absolutely brilliant for us.  We won two stages, and considering this is a WorldTour event, that is something to be proud of since it is not every time that you can celebrate such a success.  Sébastien Reichenbach also finished third in one of the hardest stages, and that proves that he is in good condition.  So IAM Cycling can be happy about what it achieved.”

Michel Thétaz’s team certainly did finish on a positive note, proving that it could hold its own and more against the strongest teams at the highest level of international racing. Marcello Albasini, directeur sportif along with Rubens Bertogliati, confirmed this assessment.  “After this week of hard racing, it was not a given that everyone would be strong in the time trial.  The combined fatigue of the last two mountain stages were sure to leave a mark.  And then with today’s heat, and the intensity of the stage, it was really a tough way to finish the race.  But drawing a conclusion to IAM Cycling’s week, I think we have lived up to our expectations and fulfilled our part of the bargain.  We were able to celebrate two stage wins courtesy of Matteo Pelucchi, and indeed, we are the only team to have won two stages.  And then that third place for Reichenbach was another great result for the entire team.  So I am very happy.”