Tour de France – Stage 19 – Mathias Frank – It was full gas from the drop of the flag, and I probably spent the hardest day of my life on a bicycle –

The queen stage of the 2015 Tour de France in the Alps hosted quite a tussle among all the candidates for the final overall victory. The favorites fought blow for blow with Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) proving the best of the day by attacking on La Croix de Fer climb, catching up to Pierre Rolland (Europcar), and then dropping him on the climb up La Toussuire.  With this brilliant stroke of bravura riding, the Italian climbed to within 1’19” of a podium spot behind Alejandro Valverde.  Christopher Froome managed to keep Nairo Quintana on just tight enough of a leash to stay safely within his yellow jersey. 

For its part, IAM Cycling had a difficult few hours watching Mathias Frank suffer through all the climbs.  Thanks to his courage and mental strength, the leader of the Swiss team, though distanced by his immediate rivals on the climb to La Toussuire, still rode well enough to step up to 7^th place on the general classification, largely on account of Geraint Thomas explosion.  The only downside for the team was that Stef Clement, rouleur extraordinaire on La Croix-de-Fer for Frank, crashed on the descent of the Col du Mollard before the start of the next climb and had to finish the stage in spite of the multiple bruises he suffered on his right side.

Doing his warm-down on his stationary trainer within ten minutes after crossing the line, Mathias Frank thanked his team for all the help they offered, and was happy to analyze his third stage in the Alps.  “It was full gas from the drop of the flag, and I probably spent the hardest day of my life on a bicycle.  I was already fighting to keep up with the favorites on the first climb of the day.  Fortunately on La Croix-de-Fer I could count on the essential help from Jarlinson Pantano and Stef Clement.  Then I hung in there on the Mollard.  I managed to match the best, but I was on the limit.  On the final climb, I suffered from cramps and I was no longer able to follow the accelerations of the main leaders.  I really suffered.  It was like I was glued to the road.  Now I will do my best to recover as much as possible in order to have better legs for the last mountain stage.  This will be a huge battle especially since the stage is short.”

Rik Verbrugghe, manager sportif for IAM Cycling, was anxious to congratulate his rider and to speak of his performance on the final climb.  “Mathias gained a place in the general classification thanks to his strength of character.  His own hunger is what helped him follow his opponents on La Toussuire.  He really rode as well as he could.  I am happy to see him still ahead of Mollema as well as Bardet.  There is still a huge stage tomorrow with the finish at the top of Alpe d’Huez.  It will be complicated, but I am convinced that after a good massage, a great meal to refuel, and a restful night’s sleep, Mathias will be able to hold his place.”