02 August 2016
IAM Cycling
THE ESCAPEE
Simon Pellaud. Having broken away from the pack after just three kilometers of racing, the young Swiss rider, spent the entire day at the pointy end of the race, before being swept up with just 5.3 kilometers to go to the finish. On a day like today, which is also the Swiss National Day, I was even more willing than usual to get into the break, Pellaud explained. We took off in the Zion Park, and that is one of the nicest places I have ever had the chance to ride my bike. My only regret is that I didnt have the resources for the final. I tried to attack the final descent with another rider. We really hoped to make it to the finish alone. But our efforts turned out to be in vain.
THE ANALYSIS
As given by Lionel Marie: David Tanner has had some health concerns the past two days, so that he was able to finish in seventh place for this first stage is a source of great satisfaction, the teams directeur sportif admitted. And then Simon Pellaud was rewarded for his great work and dedication by being able to get into the days main breakaway. The only disappointment for the day is that Heinrich Haussler was forced to abandon. He was our leader for the sprints. But I told the riders not to feel any untoward pressure. The important thing is to finish the Tour of Utah in the best condition possible, and that will be the best way to prepare for our future goals in Europe.
THE ABANDONMENT
By Heinrich Haussler. The Australian rider had been suffering from gastric disorders since last Sunday, and was forced to abandon the Tour of Utah mid-stage on Monday. The sports management and the medical staff will agreed on the best date for his return to competition.
THE ANECDOTE
In order to avoid racing in scorching temperatures, which sometimes can reach 45 degrees in this region, the Tour of Utah organizers chose an early morning start time very early. The consequence was that the racers had to wake up at 4:45 am for a race start time at 7:55 am.
Pictures – Tour of Utah/Jonathan Devich, EpicImages.us
