CyclingQuotes.com Reichenbach proves his talent in Brabantse Pijl

BRABANTSE PIJL

RACE PROFILE

IAM CYCLING

MATTHIAS BRÄNDLE

16.04.2014 @ 19:38 Posted by Emil Axelgaard

Since turning professional less than two years ago, Sebastien Reichenbach has consistently proved that he has the potential to become a great climber. Today he again showed his skills when he finished 9th in the hilly Brabantse Pijl semi-classic on a day where IAM rode aggressively and Matthias Brändle put in an excellent showing in the early breakaway.

IAM Cycling is not dead. Though decimated by a virus which has caused both Sébastien Hinault and Vicente Reynes to drop off the GP de Denain squad, as well as Dominic Klemme for the Tro Bro Léon, the Swiss Pro Continental team showed how deep their strength is by a virtuoso appearance over the hilly roads of the Flèche Brabançonne.

On the offensive from the start, Brändle, Fumeaux, Larsson and Reichenbach all showed the big names of the World Tour that they are not afraid to mix it up in this Belgian classic. Even if it was Philippe Gilbert (BMC) who came away with the victory, IAM Cycling’s Sébastien Reichenbach secured an excellent 9th place in the hotly contested sprint.

Directeur sportif, Rubens Bertogliati noted the excellent fighting spirit of his riders.

“During the pre-race briefing, I asked the riders to work for the breakaways, but not to try and take the course all alone. Everyone came through. Matthias Brändle motored away with the first important break before playing an important role in the final. In fact, I think he may have done too much considering the group.

"But then Gustav Larsson, Jonathan Fumeaux and Sébastien Reichenbach also tried their luck to break away or make a decisive move out of the peloton. Nothing stuck for the win, but to come away with a top 10 place can be considered a great success.”

Sébastien Reichenbach was especially pleased to see that his form is coming good just in time for the Ardennes classics and the Tour of Romandie.

“During the race, there was always an IAM guy in the front. Matthias went in the early break which saved us from having to work too hard in the pack. Then Jonathan, Pirmin, Gustav and I all went with the attacking groups.

"Personally, I feel like I did well. I had good legs and I remained attentive to the movements of the favorites. But in a sprint like that, you have to have quite a kick like a proper sprinter.

"The key for me is that I managed to mix in with the big guns. That bodes well for my chances at Flèche Wallonne, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour of Romandie. The training I have accomplished since racing at Critérium International is beginning to bear fruit.”

MORE NEWS: