Founder of IAM Cycling, Michel Thétaz, who is also the CEO of IAM SA (IAM Investment Funds), set the tone for the team on the eve of the Tour of Romandie prologue, which will take place in Ascona. 

 

“We are really enthusiastic to be at the Tour of Romandie.  It is a race that is very close to our hearts since it takes place on our home turf.  Of the 25 riders that we have on IAM Cycling, an impressive ten of them are Swiss and three of those are from the Valais region.  And on Tuesday, no fewer than seven of the eight riders will be Swiss; only Austrian Matthias Brändle does not hold a Swiss passport. 

 

"I am very much looking forward to this event, especially the third stage which practically runs through my backyard.  The race will surely live up to all expectations for spectacle and color.  All our riders are very motivated by the prospect of riding for the win.” 

 

Thétaz looks with his usual rationality and lucidity on the team’s early season, which has contrasted great success with some setbacks. 

 

“I do not feel frustrated.  In sport, just like in everyday life, we must accept setbacks and even defeat.  We have been hindered by illness and injury, particularly of some of our leaders.  That is the main reason why our classics campaign was less successful than we would have expected. 

 

"But I would still like to highlight the fantastic victory of Matteo Pelucchi at the Tirreno-Adtriatico, which brought us our first World Tour success.  And then we can point to Mathias Frank and his winning the queen stage of the Critérium International at the summit of the col de l’Ospedale. 

 

"Not only that, but in all the stage races such as the Tour Med, Paris-Nice, Tirreno-Adriatico and Critérium International, we have always been strong and shown the jersey well.”

 

Speaking of the group of riders he is taking to Romandie, Thétaz reveals his true passion. 

 

“We are coming to the start at Ascona with seven Swiss riders, which absolutely represents IAM Cycling’s philosophy.  We want to give a chance to the youth of this country to develop themselves, have the opportunity to show their abilities, while they adapt and toughen up for such a demanding sport.  We will certainly continue to do this in the years to come. 

 

"During this week of racing, I am sure that we will see IAM Cycling taking charge at the front.  With Mathias Frank, we have a true leader for the overall.  I’d be very happy to see him win, but we also know that his main goal for the year will be to be at his best for our top priority race, which is the Tour de France.”

 

Patrick Schelling will not be participating for the IAM Cycling team in the Tour of Romandie. The rider from the German-speaking part of Switzerland will be replaced by Pirmin Lang. 

Schelling is suffering from flu-like symptoms, including a fever which developed overnight, so will require rest and the proper treatment. 

 

Riders: 

Matthias Brändle (Aut), Mathias Frank (S), Jonathan Fumeaux (S), Reto Hollenstein (S), Pirmin Lang (S), Sébastien Reichenbach (S), Johann Tschopp (S), Marcel Wyss (S).