20 August 2013
IAM Cycling
The week could not have gotten off to a better start for IAM Cycling in France. The Swiss Pro Continental team scored a victory in the first stage of the Tour du Limousin.
photo cyclismactu.net
While Pirmin Lang added to the excitement by powering one of the numerous breakaways, the high speed day was capped off by Martin Elmiger taking the stage win and the overall lead for the Swiss team headed by Eddy Seigneur and Rubens Bertogliati.
Bertogliati welcomed Elmigers result which highlights the overall great work the entire team put in all day.
Martin won the stage ahead of Europcars Japanese sprinter Yukiya Arashiro. It was a difficult final with a climb at about the 800 meter to go point, which pitched up to 16%. Earlier, Pirmin Lang joined a break instigated by FDJ. But when the right move went, Martin did not hesitate and remained very active in the group of 11 riders.
For his part, Elmiger, who now makes this IAM Cyclings ninth win of the teams first season, is not taking anything for granted.
I have not won the Limousin, but it is better to be ahead than behind on these roads. We are more motivated than ever, even if we are not so used to defending a yellow jersey. Today, we were always in the breakaways. And I will certainly take personal enjoyment from this victory since I can now dedicate it to my little girl Julia who was born on June 8th. When I crossed the line, I had the chance to celebrate my first victory since I won the GP de la Somme on the 17th of September back in 2010, so I mimicked as if my thumb were my little girls pacifier.
