29 May 2016
IAM Cycling
THE PERFORMANCE
Dries Devenyns and Reto Hollenstein doubled-up for IAM Cycling in the overall standings. The two riders on the Swiss professional team came in first and second place, respectively, at the Baloise Belgium Tour. Im disappointed we missed out on getting third place too, directeur sportif Lionel Marie joked once the peloton crossed the finish line. This is in fact the second time this season that IAM Cycling riders took two podium positions in the overall at a race. Leigh Howard and Aleksejs Saramotins had accomplished this impressive feat at the Clasica Almeria in February when Howard won and Saramotins took third.
THE ANALYSIS
Lionel Marie explained the situation at the end of the race. We came with an experienced team to Belgium, the French DS said. Our guys were able to race well and intelligently. They never panicked. Initially this morning, many of them were still reeling from the shock of the terrible crash and events from the day before. Some of the guys did not have their heads into racing today. But in spite of the mental challenge, we were able to work well together to fight off the incessant attacks that Etixx – Quick Step threw at us. Dries Deveyns really deserves this victory. And it highlights the excellent work that he did with Marcello Albasini at their recent training camp. I am proud of this team.
THE NUMBER
2 – This is the second overall victory in a stage race that IAM Cycling has earned this season. The first came courtesy of Jérôme Coppel at the Etoile de Bessèges in February. The Swiss team has tallied up 28 podium positions so far this season.
THE EMOTION
Of Dries Devenyns. The new winner of the Baloise Belgium Tour could not help feeling very introspective when called to the podium on Sunday. Its all very confusing. I am happy to have my victory, but Im not completely happy, Devenyns confided. I dont feel like I am coming away as a carefree winner. All my thoughts are with Stig Broeckx. What happened yesterday is very serious. I cannot rejoice in my victory under these circumstances.
THE SADNESS
The peloton delayed the start of the stage by five minutes this morning in Tremelo. They wanted to show their support for Stig Broeckx (Lotto Soudal) who is still in a coma following a crash on Saturday. And then, equally importantly, they want to open a dialogue with the UCI, the race organizers, and the professional peloton. Their goal ultimately is to take concrete measures to ensure the safety of the riders in all races.
THE PRIDE
That of Reto Hollenstein. Having taken third in the prologue and second place overall, the Swiss rider felt a great sense of relief: This performance underscores all the hard work I have done in recent years. Cycling requires so many sacrifices. I am happy to be rewarded. This result gives me more confidence in myself. I came to the Tour of Belgium without any real personal ambitions. I just wanted to apply myself, do my best. And often it is when you have less pressure that you perform better. This will allow me to face my upcoming goals like the Tour of Switzerland with more serenity. IAM Cycling is entering the most important section of the season with the Dauphiné, Tour de Suisse and Tour de France on the horizon. It is essential that all the riders arrive at the start in the best condition in order to address these objectives.
Podium picture – Dieter Vanderlinden
