One year ago Sylvain Chavanel was one of the main actors of the epic 2013 Milan-Sanremo but yesterday he played a much more anonymous role as the best IAM rider in the 2014 edition of the race. After finishing 21st on a day to forget for the Swiss team, the Frenchman claimed that yesterday's conditions were even worse than the one he had battled 12 months ago.

Alexander Kristof (Katusha) beat the cold, rain and his opponents in a bunch sprint on the San Remo seafront.

The first cycling monument of the season was held once again in abhorrent weather conditions.  Even though there was no snow on the level seen in the 2013 edition, which actually caused the race to be neutralized, torrential rain and cold temperatures impacted how the race unfolded.  IAM Cycling paid a heavy price in the face of this unpredictable weather.

Stefan Denifl, paralyzed by the cold despite wearing three layers of rain gear, dropped out even before the peloton crested the Turchino climb, while the thermometer showed the temperature to be barely hovering at 5 degrees.  Thomas Löfkvist and Martin Elmiger as well climbed off their bikes before they had to climb the Poggio.

Having arrived in 21st place in the race-leading group, Sylvain Chavanel, the best finisher of the Swiss Pro Continental team, could only confess to having suffered in the hellish conditions that the riders faced from the outset in Milan.

“It didn’t only rain today.  We were pelted by hail.  It stung.  This San Remo was even harder than the one we experienced in 2013.  When I signaled I needed a rain coat to protect me from the cold, our team car was placed all the way back in 23rd position and took 20 minutes to reach me. 

"After the 20km of descending. You just can't stay warm. You're chilled to the bone and can't do anything.

"As for the rest of the race, I considered going with Nibali on the Cipressa, but changed my mind when I thought about just how much flat there is before we reach to foot of the Poggio.  And then by the time we got to the final sprint, I no longer had the strength to play for the win.”

Heinrich Haussler, who took a strong 11th place in the snow and cold offered in 2013, found himself trailing behind, struggling with the cold.

"I just didn't have anything. It was just so cold. I usually handle the cold pretty well, but since Qatar I've been racing in the heat, so I just couldn't handle the temperature swing to being so cold. It just wasn't possible for me." 

IAM Cycling directeur sportif Kjell Carlström reiterated his team leader’s version of events.

“I take my hat off to the guys.  Under such conditions, they still managed to do a good race.  They fought against the elements with a lot of courage and determination.  But when you get that cold, it is impossible to find the necessary heat to influence the race.  

"Hinault and Kluge did a ton of work for Chavanel, but then he was all alone on the Poggio which hampered any hope of playing in a sprint finish against strong opponents.”

The team's founder and manager, Michel Thetaz was present to cheer them on, and realized his riders faced a difficult task:

"This year was much worse than last year. Last year there was the break in the bus and then on the second half there was no rain. So it just was not possible to expect the guys to be in top form for this. These days happen, but we just move on and now Heino can concentrate on the northern classics."