IAM lined up at the Vuelta a Espana with a young team and aimed at winning a stage. The team had three tough weeks in Spain but still regards the race as a positive experience for its many youngsters.

The Tour of Spain ended, as expected, with the coronation of Alberto Contador. The Spaniard on the Tinkoff-Saxo team did not succeed in winning the final time trial, largely due to a violent storm that crashed into the Galician city making the roads dangerously slippery.  Adriano Malori (Movistar), who started the stage before the foul weather hit, managed to grab himself an important win. 

The five remaining riders of the IAM Cycling team meanwhile breathed a sigh of relief after crossing the finish line of this technical and demanding 10 kilometer course.  In 31st place, 55 seconds behind the winner, Jonathan Fumeaux finished as the best place IAM Cycling rider for the stage, while Vincente Reynes ended up as the best place in the overall classification in 61st place, 2h38’15 behind.   

Rubens Bertogliati, who acted as a directeur sportif for the team at the Tour of Spain along with Marcello Albasini and Mario Chiesa, took the time to take stock of the team’s appearance in its second grand tour of the season. 

“The Vuelta has been really tough and a challenge for everyone, but an amazing learning experience for our young riders.  The route was mainly tailored to pure climbers with only three or four stages for sprinters. 

"Unfortunately, due to several last minute injuries, we weren’t really able to bring the best formation possible.  So we focused on building up our younger riders and it is clear that they managed to hold their own.  The experience they have gained during the three weeks will serve them for many years to come. 

"In terms of results, we still found the resources to get several top-10 places.  Vincente Reynes just barely missed out on a superb stage victory when he took second to John Degenkolb.  And Johann Tschopp managed to take a strong 4th place in a mountain stage. Reynes and Matteo Pelucchi were then also able to find additional top-10 spots throughout the three weeks.”