Everything still possible for Thomas Löfkvist and IAM Cycling

07 March 2013

IAM Cycling

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After a rainy 170 kilometers, the 3rd stage of the Paris-Nice put the riders through the ringer, resulting in the first important separations for the GC.

The rain and cold the riders faced throughout the stage meant that only the very toughest racers have any remaining hope of fighting for the overall victory.

In the battle against the elements, including the first real climb since the start of the race in Houille, Andrew Talansky (Garmin-Sharp) proved to be the best of a small group comprised of seven riders who managed to escape the thinned-out main peloton at the bottom of the descent of the côte de Mauvagnat. IAM Cycling riders struggled in the tricky conditions. Johann Tschopp once again found himself on the ground, consequently with no hopes left of figuring in the final classification. IAM Cycling Directeur Sportif Kjell Carlström did not hide the fact that certain aspects of the day were disappointing, particularly for Tschopp.

“The stage definitely proved to be very hard. The last climb caused a big selection. Even if we missed out on the winning move, we were pleased to have Thomas Löfkvist in the chase group 7 seconds back. As a result, he is still ideally placed for the general classification.”

Martin Elmiger confirmed this assessment.

“It was a very treacherous stage and we had some bad luck with crashes, but I managed to have both Thomas and Heinrich well positioned for the final run into the finish. We certainly are not out of the running.”

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