IAM Cycling’s directeur sportif Eddy Seigneur already announced earlier this week that the team was going to the GP d’Isbergues aiming for no less than a win. The Swiss Pro Continental team came up short behind Arnaud Démare (FDJ.fr) in full possession of his powers, who won for the second time after his success in 2013. 

Nevertheless, they still found themselves on the podium thanks to Heinrich Haussler who took third place, his 35th podium finish, as a great reward for all the hard work that his teammates did for him throughout the day.

Assessing the day, Eddy Seigneur emphasized the efforts of his riders, no fewer than five of whom were still racing last Sunday at the Tour of Spain. 

“We wanted to win of course, but even if we missed out by a little bit, I am happy. I saw great teamwork all day and Haussler managed to finish third. This allows us to refuel our confidence tank when we’re looking to a possible sprint at the world’s road race next week. For the rest, Sébastien Hinault wanted to set up Reynes and Haussler for the sprint and ended up alone in the lead with 4 kilometers to go. He was overtaken by Astana as they hit the last kilometer.”

"A 3rd place is a very good performance for me," Haussler told Directvelo. "I don't think I could do better. I do not consider myself a pure sprinter, unlike riders like Arnaud Démare and Yauheni Hutarovich. Matteo Pelucchi was set to do the sprint but he indicated during the race that he was not in great condition. 

"I go to the Worlds to help the Australian captains, Simon Gerrans and Michael Matthews. I came out of the Tour de France tired and I still feel tired but it's starting to get better. I will do the Paris-Bourges and Paris-Tours with big hopes."