Volta Catalunya – IAM Cycling asserts itself in the high mountain

THE FACT OF THE DAY

IAM Cycling learned its lessons from Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico. “It is essential to be at the front,” Lionel Marie pounded into their heads at the Volta a Catalunya. And the riders took his words to heart. On the slopes of the Molina, the first finish at altitude for the Volta Catalunya, there were not just one, but three riders from the Swiss team that were strong enough to finish with the lead group. Jarlinson Pantano, Larry Warbasse, and Mathias Frank crossed the line in 19th, 25th and 28th positions, respectively. Dan Martin (Etixx Quick-Step), won the stage just 22 seconds ahead of IAM Cycling’s best finisher, the Colombian Pantano. Warbasse and Frank came in 28 seconds behind the Irish climber. “This was a very satisfactory result,” directeur sportif Kjell Carlström exclaimed.

THE CHALLENGE

Jarlinson Pantano’s attack on the Molina. “Both Lionel Marie and I said we would like to see Jarlinson Pantano be very active,” Carlström explained. “We counted on him. His potential should afford him much more confidence. By attacking in the final, he showed us what we wanted to see. Unfortunately, he realized that starting from so far away, it would then be difficult to play for the win in a finish like this. But he did try and that is all for the better. This proves that he is in very good condition.”

THE ANALYSIS

“This was a good test of the legs,” Mathias Frank said. “I am pleased to have finished with the lead group. But I am still missing a little something to feel on top of my game. At Tirreno, the high mountain stage was cancelled. And my last summit finish was at the Ruta del Sol. So I think that my body was not used to the effort. But that is no cause for alarm. To be able to ride like this at this time of the year is quite on target.”

THE DIFFICULTY

The col Port Ainé. A twenty kilometer ascent with a 6.3% average gradient that reaches up to 2000 meters. This is the final of the fourth stage for the Volta a Catalunya. “This stage will certainly cause greater differences in time,” explained Mathias Frank. “But the favorites who rode well on Wednesday will most likely be on point tomorrow as well.”

Pictures – BettiniPhoto2016