IAM again failed to be part of the action in today's stage of the Vuelta a Espana. Despite having played an anonymous role, young Marcel Aregger is proud to finish his first grand tour with good legs.

Alberto Contador won the last mountain stage of the Tour of Spain, and made one more step towards solidifying his final overall victory, which will be confirmed Sunday night at the end of the final lap around the streets of Santiago de Compostela. 

IAM Cycling did not play a large role in the final crucial stage.  However, its five remaining riders did all rally to finish at Puerto de Ancares.  Vicente Reynes (60th) and Marcel Aregger (61st) were the best of the team, giving up 20’58” to Contador, the likely winner of the Tour of Spain.

Ahead of participating in the final time trial of the Vuelta, Marcel Aregger, who at 24 is the youngest member of the Swiss Pro Continental team, said he was happy to finish his first grand tour. 

“I am looking forward to resting and recovering.  Today I was at 120% all the time.  But I still managed to finish the most difficult phase of my career with a final climb like I have never seen before.  It was pure madness, but luckily I had good legs. 

"Early in the stage, I was even ready to slip into the breakaway, but I chose to husband my resources because I knew I would struggle on the finish.  These past days I have not been good, but today I felt very good.  This means that I have managed to recover and that’s a good sign for my future.”