Arctic Race of Norway – Stage 4 – Mathias Frank – When the winning group left, I was not prepared for the effort. Then I tried to bridge back alone, but it was too late –

(© ASO)

Arctic Race of Norway lived up to all its promises, whether it was the beauty of the landscape or the explosiveness of the race.  The fourth and final stage was a perfect illustration.  Before Silvan Dillier (BMC) raised his arms in victory in Narbik, the peloton was forced to confront a hectic and selective race once again.  And in this long battler, the IAM Cycling jersey was at the forefront. First, Martin Elmiger proved himself to be one of the main engines of the day’s main breakaway, and then Mathias Frank followed up by waging his own fight late in the stage.   Though Rein Taaramae (Astana) came away at the top of the overall standings, the Swiss professional team did have two riders in the top-10 with Marcel Wyss in tenth and Mathias Frank in fifth.

IAM Cycling had formulated the perfect tactics for the day.  Everything had been precisely timed and calculated to try and have one of the riders from the Swiss team be in a position to take the victory.  As ever, there is a special element of luck that is required, however, and that is beyond the control of anyone.  “I am happy with the work I have done in the break for this last stage,” Martin Elmiger explained.  “We tried to put some pressure on BMC.  Our goal was to force them to work to control things and tire them out before arriving on the final circuit.”  Then the scenario would have Mathias Frank taking over the reins once they reached the last portions of the event:  “My legs were good and I am confident again.  I said that I would try something on this last stage, and I did exactly that.  In the end, I attacked, but it did not result in the win.  I wasn’t able to follow the three riders who attacked in the final kilometers.  There had already been many attempts when Dillier, Zakarin and Taaramae took off, and I was not prepared for this effort.  Then I tried to bridge up alone, but it was too late.  This race has proved to me that I have recovered well from the Tour.  And then there were always the landscapes to enjoy.  They were really beautiful.” Martin Elmiger reiterated this comment, perhaps with a jocular touch: “Almost as beautiful as Switzerland.”

As for the sports management at the Norwegian race, Kjell Carsltröm believed on balance, the team had a very positive event.  “The team did a good race.  We were always present and aggressive.  I think that has made a difference in each stage.  Of course, a victory would have been welcomed, but we did our best.  For my part, what I will remember most is how well we worked as a team together.  All the instructions they followed to the letter, and I am satisfied.”