After a few difficult seasons, Gustav Erik Larsson again confirmed that he has hit some good form for the Tour de France when he finished 2nd in today's stage of the Criterium du Dauphiné. Clearly one of the strongest on the final climb, the Swede missed out as he was unable to follow the many accelerations.

Racing over the mountains between La Drôme and les Hautes-Alpes in France gave Yuri Trofimov (Katusha) the chance to snag a prestigious victory in Gap.  Chris Froome kept certain control of his yellow jersey by finishing in the main pack 2’10” behind. 

Once again, IAM Cycling was able to show its strength in this difficult transition stage.  Gustav Larsson was a member of the breakaway that took off after just 21 kilometers had been covered, and finished off his excellent day on the front by taking 2nd place for the stage.   

Rubens Bertogliati, directeur sportif along with Eddy Seigneur for the race, confirmed that IAM Cycling planned to shine throughout the week. 

“Today we told seven riders that their job was to try and get into the break.  Only Sébastien Reichenbach, who is our leader in the overall classification, was told to stay protected in the bunch. 

"In the end, it was Gustav Larsson who had a nose for when to go, and managed to get into a very good breakaway.  His fantastic 2nd place was a reward for all the work he did during the day, and there’s no question this is not the last of his good results.”

All smiles before enjoying a well-deserved shower, Gustav Larsson agreed that he has hit his good form, and only regretted that he was unable to bridge to the day’s winner. 

“I never saw Trofimov on the descent.  In fact, he slipped away while countering the numerous attacks that the guys in the break were making up the col de Manse.  I always find it difficult to follow those sudden accelerations. 

"I’m happy because I was able to make the right breakaway.  It was not at all clear which one to go for, but I have held my good form from the Tour of Norway.  Even if the heat did indeed make our task more difficult. 

"We worked well together within the break until we hit the final climb.  And then it just came down to the pedaling.  I did think for a long time that I could get back on terms with Trofimov on the descent, but it was too technical and even dangerous in some places.  I gave it everything for this 2nd place and I am happy to add it to my palmarès.”