IAM Cycling began its first Tour of Italy at top speed.  With the teams collectively racing 17.6 kilometers against the clock, the Swiss squad performed above general expectations by setting the 6th fastest time, ahead of perennial favorites Team Sky and Trek as well as FDJ. Orica GreenEDGE won the day with authority, taking revenge for their close-call at the Tour of Romandie, and putting Simon Gerrans in the first pink jersey of the Giro in sunny San Remo.

Stef Clement, road captain but also accomplished rouleur, was all smiles when asked about their performance at the end of the stage. 

“I am really very happy.  We managed to put in a good performance.  With a little more confidence, we can go far with this team.  It was not an obvious result since we hadn’t really had the chance to ride together as a team before these last two days.  But the guys took the challenge and since we finished strongly, we were able to get 6th by the end.  Now we must continue building on this dynamic and I am sure that thanks to the trust we have in each other, we will be able to pull out some surprises for our followers.”

Roger Kluge, who was a huge engine for the team in the event, reiterated this sentiment. 

“It was incredible despite the strong headwind, we found our marks.  With guys like Chavanel, Clement, and Saramotins, this team time trial proved easier than expected.” 

Sébastien Reichenbach, who is designated as the team’s GC leader, also enjoyed his afternoon in the sun. 

“I started without having any data points since I haven’t ridden a team time since I was an amateur.  It was quite impressive, but we really worked well collectively, and especially when we managed to accelerate in the final.  That has earned us a good 6th place.”

As a privileged passenger in the team car, Michel Thétaz, the founder of IAM Cycling and the CEO of IAM Funds, could summarize everything in a single short sentence. 

“It would be ungrateful not to be happy.” 

Directeur sportif, Kjell Carlström was also satisfied with the work his riders accomplished. 

“We asked them to take off quietly and then approach the finish à bloc.  They perhaps held back a little too long, but there are no regrets, especially looking at the result.  The place on the leader board is there to prove it.  We have the potential to get close to all the best teams in the WorldTour.”