IAM Cycling had a rough day for this, the first Belgian classic of the 2014 season.  The eight IAM Cycling riders, led by directeur sportif Eddy Seigneur had their share of disappointments in the Het Nieuwsblad, while Sky’s Ian Stannard walked away with the victory. 

 

Seigneur explained how the day unfolded, though he also admitted the collateral effects of the tragic disappearance of Kristof Goddaert. 

 

“Luck certainly remained shy of us today.  Delayed by a rider who crashed on a narrow road, Heinrich Haussler never was able to bridge back up to the main peloton.  And as for Sylvain Chavanel, another rider ran into him near the finish and he experienced mechanical problems throughout the final part of the race. 

 

"Once the rain started to fall after 100 kilometer had been covered, it became chaotic with punctures and crashes, so the riders had to be strong physically and psychologically.  And even if we were all fit physically, the psychological aspect of our competing at the moment is another matter.  But I do not despair because we have another race to focus on tomorrow, and we will be ready to fight.”

 

Sylvain Chavanel, though he missed out on finishing in the top 10, was prepared to explain himself without resorting to excuses. 

 

“I was not well placed when we hit the Taienberg.  From that moment, I was in a race against time doing my best to regain an advantage, but to no avail.  It is true that things get harder in the cold, but we will warm ourselves up again and be ready to start over with a bang tomorrow.”

 

You can read our preview of the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne here.