With Matteo Pelucchi on the roster, IAM was an outside bet to beat André Greipel in the first stage of the World Ports Classi but the team was never really in contention. Sports director Eddy Seigneur had some harsh words for his team.

The first stage of the World Ports Classic will not be too fondly remembered in the annals of IAM Cycling. One must scan back to 51st place to find Matteo Pelucchi, who was the team’s best finisher. A

lthough Matthias Brändle took part in a 30 kilometer breakaway, Eddy Seigneur regretted the team’s overall performance for the day.

“The guys weren’t really visible. I spoke with them before passing the marker for the final 10 kilometers. They were hanging out in the back of the pack due to strong headwinds, but they told me not to worry. But even so, they did nothing at the end. They just strolled through the stage, and I regret it.

"Even if Reto Hollenstein crashed with barely three kilometers to go, I still hoped to see Matteo Pelucchi take part in the sprint for the victory. They will not make the same mistake tomorrow in the second stage which is also promised for the sprinters. However, the wind could whip up again and spoil the best laid plans.”