Flèche Brabançonne – Dries Devenyns «This 10th place rewards the team after all the good work that IAM Cycling did»

IAM Cycling has not been out of the top-10 in a classic for two solid weeks.  After Martin Elmiger took 10^th at the Tour of Flanders and then 5^th at Paris-Roubaix, Dries Devenyns found a way to grab a great 10^th place at the Flèche Brabançonne, which was won solo by Ben Hermans (BMC). Again demonstrating the team’s offensive spirit, Devenyns was strong enough to mingle with the hard chasing group behind Hermans sprinting up the false flat to the finish line.  “This 10^th place rewards the collective performance of the entire IAM Cycling team because we were so close with David Tanner near the end,” the Flemish rider explained.

After having had a strong Tour of Flanders, Dries Devenyns is managing to keep a good rhythm through the Flèche Brabançonne with a view towards the Amstel Gold Race.  “It was a strange race because Orica really pushed a hellish pace behind the early break.  We took advantage of David’s escape in order to stay in the first places in the pack without having to pull. Sylvain Chavanel managed to rejoin the group after crashing, and we tried to stay in contact for this furious finale.  At the last climb with 500 meters to the line, I went left, because I still felt strong, but at the same time Michael Matthews made the same move, and closed the door on me.  It’s a shame, but that’s part of the facts of racing.”

For his part, David Tanner once again just missed out on making a great result in this race that was held in summer-like conditions (27°).  When asked to analyze his day, the professional from Australia, who now lives on the Riviera, expressed some regret. 

“I am disappointed because, as has happened many times before, I was not missing much to play for the win.  It’s just the story of my life at the moment.  I got to within less than 2 kilometers of the finish, and my regret is that I did not have the strength to follow Ben Hermans when he made his move.  He was the strongest, but I would have been pleased with 2^nd place.  However, I will come away with good points from today, and am pleased that I have found my legs again after having crashed near the end at San Remo.  I struggled at the Tour of the Basque Country and had to abandon.  I hope to confirm these good sensations that I have felt today with a strong ride on Sunday at the Amstel Gold.”