The Giant-Alpecin cycling team did have a victory on Sunday with the sprint win of John Degenkolb, though that might be considered a meager prize in comparison to what looked to be possible just the day before. Dispossessed of the red jersey on the eve of the final finish in Madrid, the German team did manage to finish the race on a high.

For its part, IAM Cycling welcomed the arrival of Michel Thétaz who came to the Spanish capital to congratulate all of his riders and staff. The founder of the Swiss professional team and CEO of IAM Funds, felt satisfied with the collective team effort and the cohesion of the group. 

“I think that before taking stock of these three weeks, it is important to consider the joys and misfortunes that we had throughout the Vuelta a Espana. We lost Matteo Pelucchi and David Tanner by the end of the second stage, which was a huge disadvantage to the whole team that came here with the idea of winning at least one stage.

“However, I know that the team was able to reinvigorate itself, and was particularly keen to participate in the days’ breakaways in an attempt to animate every stage, and importantly to provide a learning opportunity for the young riders.

"And if I am thinking about the riders who are benefiting from the experience, I am thinking in particular of Simon Pellaud, among others. For me, he has been one of the pleasant surprises of the Vuelta a Espana. We wondered initially whether this young neo-pro would be able to get through this baptism by fire, and in the end I can say with enthusiasm that he completely exceeded expectations.

"More generally, what I will remember is that the five riders who were able to get through the race and cross the line in Madrid for us were always on the offensive until the final kilometers, which is completely in keeping with the IAM Cycling philosophy.”

Eddy Seigneur, directeur sportif alongside Mario Chiesa for IAM Cycling team for this 70th edition of the Vuelta a Espana, entirely concurred with these sentiments:

“From the beginning, IAM Cycling remained loyal to itself until the end; it stayed true to its policy, in spite of the imponderables that couldn’t be anticipated, but darkened its chances. More personally, I will remember how well Larry Warbasse performed. Though 38th overall, he was often at the front of the race. Larry was able to meet the demands made on him. Unfortunately, when he was at the front of the race, he was always faced with someone just that bit stronger to go for the stage win. Finally, I also linger on how well Simon Pellaud performed. He was able to show some exceptional qualities not only for his future but also for our team.”