21 August 2016
IAM Cycling
THE EXCLAMATION
From Jonas Van Genechten: I am a little disappointed because I expected to do better than fifth place.
THE EXPLANATION
As given by Jonas Van Genechten once again: There were several roundabouts as we headed into the finish, but that did not make the course too dangerous. It did help to stretch out the peloton. I was in fifth position coming in, and struggled to keep my place with all the argy-bargy from the other riders. But then I wasnt able to improve my placing in order to play for the win. I still hope to prove my merit in the other four stages that should result in bunch sprints.
THE QUOTE
I pummeled myself when I attacked just after the last climb before the finish, Mathias Frank exclaimed after he tried to surprise the sprinters with a late attack. Though he was reeled in, he promised more attacks would follow.
THE ANALYSIS
As offered by Rik Verbrugghe, sports manager for IAM Cycling during these first two stages of the Vuelta. Although the level of sprinters here is not that high, that in no way takes away credit from the strong performance of Gianni Meersman (Etixx-Quickstep) to have been able to win the stage. On our side, Jonas Van Genechten managed to grab a decent 5th pace even if he didnt have a real sprint train to help him out. We will continue to ride aggressively in order to achieve our goal at this beautiful race, which is of course to win a stage.
THE MENU FOR THE DAY
The third stage promises to offer a muscular finale since the riders will climb three passes in the last 66 kilometers of the stage, and will end with an ascent of 1800 meters that tops out with gradients of 18% before crossing the finish line at the Mirador de Ezaro.
Pictures – BettiniPhoto, Sirotti & IAM Cycling
