02 September 2014
IAM Cycling
The Tour of Spain was on the move again after having spent a day of rest around Zaragoza. A rolling time trial of 36 kilometers would be what the riders would have to use to get back into the swing of the race. Unsurprisingly, it was the German time trial world champion Tony Martin from Omega Pharma-Quickstep who took the victory with little effective competition. In the battle for the overall victory, it was Alberto Contador (Saxo-Tinkoff) who took the leaders red jersey, largely due to the fact that Nairo Quintana suffered a high-speed crash, costing him minutes on the stage.
IAM Cycling, which came to the Vuelta without one of its powerful rouleurs, found most of its riders well down the stage rankings. Vicente Reynes ended as the best-placed rider from the Swiss team, in 62nd position, 337 behind Martin.
Jonathan Fumeaux (144th at 528), more a punchy climber than a rouleur, also suffered a good amount of bad luck on his ride. Though he started well, confirmed by the fact that he caught to two riders who started ahead of him, Fumeaux had the bad luck to crash on the descent of the days only climb. Nevertheless, when he arrived at the finish, Fumeaux was even the momentary leader of the race. His result gave him cause to smile while he analyzed his first half of the Vuelta.
It was a time trial for specialists. I found a good rhythm, but after my crash, I wasnt able to push myself anymore. I am looking forward with anticipation and respect to the mountains ahead. Since we started the race in Jerez de La Frontera, I have suffered from the heat, but I have not given up the hope of finding myself in a good position to take advantage of an opportunity. In the meantime, IAM Cyclings 24 year old Marcel Aregger (150th at 5’37”) was not able to find his second gear today. After the rest day, I had no legs. It was as if I was glued to the road. I have not lost my confidence, though. The Vuelta is long and we still have many great things that we can achieve.
