Bayern Rundfahrt – Stage 3 – Pirmin Lang «My job is really to support my teammates till the end»

(source: www.bayern-rundfahrt.com)

The Bayern Rundfahrt follows a certain logic.  Or at least, the participating racers display an exemplary consistency this year.  Therefore, the podium of the first stage has been somewhat repeated on this third day of racing with Sam Bennett (Bora – Argon) again taking the victory, followed by Nacer Bouhanni (Cofidis) in second place, with only Ramunas Navardauskas (Cannondale – Garmin) shaking up the routine by climbing onto the third step of the podium.  For the IAM Cycling team, Jonas Van Genechten once again proved his speed and established himself as a solid sprinter for the Swiss team by grabbing fifth place, beating John Degenkolb (7th) among others.

However, this stage was not tailor made for the sprint kings.  Hilly and demanding, the course required a good sense of the best positioning and a flawless ability to read a race.  IAM Cycling’s Pirmin Lang applied his strengths to help his team.   “I tried to accompany Jonas as much as possible, but I was the victim of having my chain jump with just two kilometers to go to the finish,” the Swiss rider explained.  “Fortunately, he was able to manage very well on his own.  He never lost his stride.  The race was really open on Friday.  There was a two or three kilometer climb where the Columbian team really hit the gas.  The peloton exploded.  I found myself in the third group along with Nacer Bouhanni.  Finally, we caught back up to the head group, but it cost a lot of energy.  The final was easier than expected and the sprinters were able to step up and take control.  I really enjoyed working on this stage for Jonas Van Genechten.  I feel better and better.  Taking care of my teammates until the very end, that’s really my job.  When I train at home, it is not to do the work halfway, and then let go.  What I love it to sacrifice myself till the end.”

(source: www.bayern-rundfahrt.com)

Mario Chiesa, directeur sportif for IAM Cycling in this Bavarian race along with Eddy Seigneur, believes the balance for the day falls on the positive side, with good things yet to come from the Swiss squad.  “The course was difficult because there were a few climbs and the road was not very wide,” Chiesa explained.  “Pirmin Lang did a very good job, and Jonas Van Genechten was able to confirm his talent with another very strong sprint.  Sure, we may not be a huge team that always grabs big results, but we are doing very well and will continue to improve.  On Saturday in the time trial, we have other riders like Larry Warbasse who will be able to show themselves.  I have a lot of confidence in our guys.”