Tour des Fjords, stage 1 – Leigh Howard – I am very happy to have won this stage, but… –

THE EXCLAMATION

From Leigh Howard: “I am very happy to have won this stage, but sorry to have won under these odd circumstances.”

THE FACT OF THE DAY

The catastrophic organization of the 1st stage of the Tour of the Fjords caused tremendous confusion within the peloton for the final. Riders and directeurs sportifs in team cars alike were forced to slalom between cars and buses in the streets of Bergen.

THE EXPLANATION

Again from Leigh Howard: “Frankly, I don’t want to lounge on this success today. I just have to highlight the incredible work that Roger Kluge did in the final. I was extremely happy to have him with me. And now we have to demonstrate the strength of the team for the rest of the event through till Sunday.”

THE ANALYSIS

Given by Kjell Carlström, IAM Cycling directeur sportif along with Lionel Marie at the Tour des Fjords. “Roger Kluge and Leigh Howard attacked some 16 kilometers from the finish. With the help of Jesper Asselman (Roompot Oranje-Platoon), they managed to hold off the bulk of chasing peloton led by Katusha. And then Leigh perfectly executed the finish by anticipating and launching his attack with only 500 meters to go to the finish.”

THE INFO

The riders of the Tour des Fjords were pre-testing in a way the circuit that will serve as the route for the 2017 World Championships, which are planned to take place in Bergen. It is intended to be a “technical route with a climb in two sections that will prove demanding because of the repetition,” according to Kjell Carlström.

THE WEATHER

Rain and cold lashed the professional riders throughout the entire first stage. After the ordeal, directeur sportif Lionel Marie did not hide his joy at checking into the team hotel. “I am ready to warmup with a good shower; I’ve lost well over 15 ° C in about 24 hours. I’m frozen.”

THE RECORD

Thanks to Leigh Howard’s victory today, the IAM Cycling team has equaled its record for number of wins in one season (18 in 2014). This also brings the number of top-5 placings for the team this season to 80.

THE MENU FOR THE DAY

With two climbs staggered throughout the 152.5 kilometer second stage from Stord to Odda, the sprinters should be able to count on being at the party till the end, unless a breakaway proves successful.

Race Pictures – Elisa Haumesser & BettiniPhoto