IAM Cycling again showed its colours well on the roads of the Tour of Norway.  Showcasing themselves throughout the stage, the riders lead by Rubens Bertogliati and Kjell Carlström unfortunately did not manage to turn the tide of the race in the favour of Gustav Larsson, who now sits fourth overall, still a handful of seconds behind Mark de Maar (UHC). 

And given the small time differences separating the first four riders in the overall, the final 166 kilometer stage between Gjovik and Honefoss promises to be a good fight.

Jonathan Fumeaux, who has been a tireless worker for the team since the start of the race, emphasized the great collective effort the entire Swiss team made. 

“We all gave it everything we had.  At first, Sébastien Hinault rode with the Belkin riders at the front to help pace the field to keep the escapees within reach because the other teams refused to take responsibility.  When we arrived at the circuit which had the climb that we tackled twice, Patrick Schelling took over the chase responsibilities until we absorbed the breakaway riders.  After that, Sébastien Reichenbach and I took over to make the pace on the ascent.”

”Unfortunately, Gustav Larsson was suffering from cramps.  We still managed to stay well placed in the pack with the yellow jersey, but we missed our mark by a few seconds.  The race is not over, however.  We will still try to get Gustav Larsson on the highest step of the podium.  Nothing is lost.  The last stage is not simple.  You have to believe in your chances.  Personally, I feel good; my legs are good.  And I hope to continue improving for the Tour of Switzerland.”