IAM will head into the Clasica de Almeria with the goal of repeating Matteo Pelucchi's 2011 win in the race.

“The course will be similar to previous years, however with some lesser difficulties,” explained Mario Chiesa, directeur sportif for the IAM Cycling team over the roads of Andalusia.  “The route of the race will be perfect for our sprinter, Matteo Pelucchi’s qualities, which means that we will of course protect him to the maximum.  But with possible variations on how the race may play out, IAM Cycling will have many other options and cards to play while competing in Spain next sunday.  We will not limit ourselves to one single strategy only.”

Two IAM Cycling riders who are lining up at the race Saturday who have already finished on the podium of the Clasica Almeria. In 2012, Roger Kluge climbed onto the third step while in 2011, Matteo Pelucchi proved victorious in the race.

"In Almeria, we will be looking for the victory first and foremost.  But it is also an opportunity to fine tune our sprint train for Matteo Pelucchi," Roger Kluge admitted.  “We have an experienced team and we should be able to take him far in the sprints.  With riders like Martin Elmiger, Leigh Howard, Aleksejs Saramotins, and Vicente Reynes, we have great tactical sense; they know where to position themselves in mass sprints.  The beginning of the season is where we can work on the reflexes that will help us to be more comfortable in these situations later in the year.”

Silver medalist in the points race at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, Roger Kluge will again defend the colors of the German national team on the track this season.  The German rider will take part in the next world championships from the 2nd to the 6th of March in London, and then head to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this August.  

“The aim above all is to do well on the road this year,” Kluge assured.  “But I managed to find a program with IAM Cycling that will allow me to attempt both.”

Line-up

Marcel Aregger (S)

Martin Elmiger (S)

Leigh Howard (AUS)

Roger Kluge (Ger)

Matteo Pelucchi (It)

Vicente Reynes (Esp)

Aleksejs Saramotins (Lat)