“I can be happy with my podium.  This proves, along with my 2nd place at the 4 Days of Dunkirk, that I have found my good legs again.  Adding to my 3rd place, we had Matthias Brändle in 5th and Reto Hollenstein in 8th, which gives a very good picture of IAM Cycling,” Sylvain Chavanel said regarding his performance in the Tour of Belgium, which was won by Tony Martin (Omega Pharma-Quickstep).

 

The final stage of the Belgian race came down to a sprint victory by Paul Martens (Belkin).  In spite of their best efforts, IAM Cycling was not able to upset the general classification in their favor.  

 

Sylvain Chavanel summarized his day before looking ahead to his future races. 

 

“It was not easy to thwart Omega’s vigilance.  They really controlled the race and chased us down every time we tried to attack over the harder sections of the course.  Certainly the Tour of Belgium has taught us more about ourselves and proves we can close ranks in difficult times. 

 

With this 3rd place in my pocket, I can be calm going to the Dauphiné next Sunday.  I will certainly try to achieve something, especially in the first stage which will be a 10 kilometer time trial.  Don’t expect me to be too focused on the general classification since it is a very mountainous edition.  I’ll be there to sharpen my form before the French national championships and of course the Tour de France.”