Johann Tschopp very nearly opened his victory account riding in IAM Cycling colours during the second stage of the Tour of Switzerland. 

Riding from Ulrichen to Crans-Montana, the peloton enjoyed a luxurious tail wind that had them driving the average pace at over 43 km per hour through the Rhone Valley.  And on the difficult climb leading to Vermala, the 30-year-old Tschopp put in his best effort for victory before he was caught and passed by the eventual winner, Bauke Mollema (Blanco).  Shortly after the finish, Johann Tschopp welcomed his strong 5th place just 11 seconds off the winner. 

“Not much was missing for me to raise my arms in victory.  I’m not a puncheur so I knew I had to anticipate any explosive moves.  But I also knew I had to time my effort perfectly.  I went on instinct, and the 5th place today bodes well for the rest of the Tour of Switzerland.  I need to be mindful that I have not raced for almost three weeks and I was sick a week ago.  So this place on the honour roll will motivate me even more.”  Sébastien Reichenbach (20th), Marcel Wyss (21st) and Thomas Löfkvist (26th) all contributed to an overall performance that has once again put IAM Cycling at the head of the team classification, which is something they have won already this season at the Four Days of Dunkirk, the Tour of Norway and the Tour of Bavaria.