Simon Pellaud is enjoying every day he is spending in the professional peloton.  At just 22, the Swiss U23 champion from 2013 realized a childhood dream when he signed a two year contract with the IAM Cycling team.  Working as a stagiaire with the team since August 1, 2014, Pellaud, who comes from the Valais region in Switzerland, had earned the trust of his teammates and team managers before he had even signed his first pro contract. 

Returning from an extended journey Down Under, Pellaud in his first full year has set right to work, especially after his team training camp in Mallorca.  

“I rode two stages of the Mallorca Challenge and I was a bit stressed before the start of each.  But everything went well and I was even able to help Matteo Pelucchi in the final.  Best of all, it was our sprinter who won both races.  There could be no better start to help build confidence.”
 
Pellaud already rode for the team this past Sunday at the Clasica Almeria, where he was the perfect team player, and he will be prepared to perform the same function this coming weekend in the south of France. 

“I remain realistic, and I realize that we cannot win every time.  But certainly this weekend at the Tour du Haut-Var I will keep my eyes open.  I will be challenged even more than I was in Spain since there will be two very demanding stages.  It will allow me to measure my current level while at the same time I will be able to put myself at the service of my teammate and friend Jonathan Fumeaux.  He has a huge engine and is in good form.  And if last year is anything to go by, he will be in the thick of the action whether we are racing at the Haut-Var, or in Lugano or the Camaiore.” 

Though Pellaud has been freed from all definite responsibilities, he still wants to show his strength at Haut-Var. 

“My exclusive goal is that the team will be pleased with my work and efforts.  So to race one weekend after another gives me this opportunity and above all I want to arrive at my top form when I hit my first WorldTour race, which will be the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya scheduled for the 23rd to the 29th of March.”
 

Line-up: 
Clément Chevrier (Fr)
Stef Clement (Ned)
Jonathan Fumeaux (S)
Sondre Holst Enger (Nor)
Simon Pellaud (S)
Patrick Schelling (S)
David Tanner (Aus)
Larry Warbasse (USA)