IAM are going into a very important part of their season as this week will see the start of their big home race, the Tour de Suisse. Today they tested their legs in the biggest Swiss one-day race where Roger Kluge animated the day.

IAM Cycling did a solid job of showing off the jersey at the GP d’Argovie, which was won by the German Simon Geschke (Giant-Shimano). The credit for their good appearance goes partly to Jonathan Fumeaux (12th), partly to Martin Elmiger (13th), but mostly to Roger Kluge who powered the break of the day. 

With less than 48 hours to go before the beginning of the Tour of Switzerland, Kluge, who comes from Germany, proved his merits as a rouleur and expressed his surprise at his strength in the long breakaway. 

“I had not planned to go.  In fact, I was at the front on the climb to work with Patrick [Schelling] and Marcel [Aregger].  We did summit the climb with the other riders and before I knew it, I was surprised to be in the lead with two other guys.  I thought the pack would rejoin us, but then we all worked well together and were only caught in the second to last circuit. 

"I managed to stay with the main group after being caught, but then for the last few kilometers I rode at my own pace.  Given the heat of the day and my efforts, I have a little headache.  But everything should be fine in time for the Tour of Switzerland.”
 
For his part, Marcello Albasini, the directeur sportif for IAM Cycling, welcomed the show of force by his riders. 

“Roger Kluge found an opening on the descent on the first circuit and he was not seen again until about 20 kilometers from the finish. We also note with satisfaction the return of Vicente Reynes after a long absence from the peloton following his prostatitis.  He didn’t manage to keep up the entire stage, but I think that is normal.  Now only time will tell if he is permanently cured.”