As expected, the mountainous Route du Sud was too tough for Sylvain Chavanel who failed to make a mark during the three days of racing. However, the race mainly served as a final hard block of racing for the Frenchman who has a big focus on his national championships and the Tour de France.

IAM Cycling ended the Route du Sud much better than it began.  The overall victory went to Nicolas Roche (Tinkoff-Saxo), while the third stage was won by Adriano Malori (Movistar). 

After Sébastien Hinault finished 7th and Sylvain Chavanel finished 9th for the day, IAM Cycling directeur sportif Mario Chiesa was able to feel satisfied with the team’s hot expedition to the southwest of France. 

“Today I saw a real team.  Everyone road his heart out and tried his luck, starting with Pirmin Lang.  But that breakaway group was doomed because of the presence of a rider from Pomme Marseille who was too dangerous on the general classification, so the escape never managed to succeed.  And when Malori put in a counter attack, our hesitation proved fatal.  In any case, I am happy with how the team reacted.”  
 
Sébastien Hinault, meanwhile, commented on his “good little placing” and the “excellent preparations for the championships of France.”  As for Sylvain Chavanel, his desire to shine in the coming weeks has not wavered. 

“I crashed with about 40 kilometers to go with Dominic Klemme, and then another rider ran into my bike.  I was not hurt at all, but I had to change bikes due to a broken derailleur.  This does not mean, though, that Malori did not do a great race. 

"Personally, I am happy and have finished my big workload after the Dauphiné.  Now the goal is recovering because I have the French time trial championships in my sights again.”