Matthias Brändle «IAM Cycling showed its collective strength»

A year after his teammate Marcel Wyss won in Bern, Matthias Brändle made it two in a row at the Tour of Bern for IAM Cycling by out sprinting his last breakaway companion, Simon Zahner.

The Austrian rider on the Swiss Pro Continental team succeeded in finishing off the good work the entire team had done from the start of the race.  A member of the leading group as well, Pirmin Lang took 3^rd place by out sprinting the pursuers.

In the face of this, Rubens Bertogliati, the directeur sportif for IAM Cycling, expressed his great satisfaction.

“The guys did everything right.  We were already present in the first breakaway and we found ways to make certain we were there at the decisive moment.  With Matthias Brändle, Reto Hollenstein and Pirmin Lang in the front, we were represented by our best sprinters.  And the guys played the game of attacking the other riders well.  I am happy for Matthias and Pirmin.  They have really been showing the jersey well in recent weeks, and 1^st and 3^rd places are an admirable reward for them.”

Winner of the Tour du Jura in 2013, Matthias Brändle once again saw his commitment rewarded.  The rider from Höhenems in western Austria was unable to finish the Tour of Romandie because he was suffering from a fever, but today he was fit enough to be able to offer this victory as a belated birthday present for Rubens Bertogliati, who just turned 35.

“IAM Cycling showed its class throughout the entire day.  We were always represented at the front of the race.  In the end we played the game perfectly with Reto, Pirmin and me.  And when Simon Zahner attacked, I grabbed his wheel.  The two of us worked well together to keep our lead in front of the chasers.  We agreed to fight out for the win between ourselves, but I knew I had to win this race and dedicate it to the team.  Aside from that, I am very pleased to see my form is still good in spite of the health setback I had at the Tour of Romandie.”