16 June 2013
IAM Cycling
Reto Hollenstein loves his work; it is his passion.
The 27 year old from Thurgau never misses an opportunity to prove this. During the 8th stage of the Tour of Switzerland, which took the riders 180.5 kilometers from Zernez to Bad Ragaz, the man from the Swiss town of Sirnach spent 165 of those kilometers at the front of race, though it would be Peter Sagan (Cannondale) who would come away with the stage victory.
The lanky (195 cm) IAM Cycling pro made his move along with three other riders from kilometer zero, taking to heart the advice of the directeur sportifs.
The four of us worked really well together. But since we had the Frenchman Bouet with us, who is too well placed in the GC, the pack never gave us enough of gap to make the break stick. But I never gave up, even after we passed the finish line for the first time. I was extremely happy to be able to show the IAM Cycling jersey so well, and so close to my home.
A revelation in 2009, Reto Hollenstein had already taken part in a solo breakaway attempt that lasted for 120 kilometers between Oberriet and Bad Zurzach. Overtaken today by the efforts of the sprinters teams, Hollenstein had to leave the final showdown to others.
With a final climb up to St. Luzisteig shortly before the finish today, a greatly reduced peloton still contained Martin Elmiger who was keen to work his way into good position for the final sprint.
We spent a quiet day in the group today since Reto was doing the work in the breakaway up front. Then I had myself well placed for the final climb. I tried my luck in the sprint. Maybe I only managed 6th place, but I am not disappointed when I look at who won.
Sébastien Reichenbach and Johann Tschopp both made the split in the final.
Reichenbach said, Stefan Denifl and Thomas Löfkvist helped me find a good position at the beginning of the last climb. I was feeling well, but dont have the experience to mix in a bunch sprint of this caliber.
Complete results on the Tour de Suisse
