With snow and winter temperature that reached as low as -1 degree centigrade, the brave riders still racing the Tirreno-Adriatico had to conquer more than the climbs of the queen stage. With the finish line located at the 1600 meters high Terminillo summit, Nairo Quintana (Movistar) won an impressive solo victory and now has a solid grasp on the overall classification. 

Through it all, IAM Cycling managed to show its best colors in the pack thanks to Sébastien Reichenbach. Unfortunately, the snow proved too great a challenge for the leader of the Swiss team to finish alongside the strongest. 

He did succeed in taking an honest 26th place, which was some reward for an afternoon of suffering on the final climb. The team finished the day weakened by the loss of two riders since both Marcel Aregger (digestive troubles) and Roger Kluge (inflamed knee) had to abandon well before the final ascent.

Warmed after a shower and a hot cup of tea, Sébastien Reichenbach expressed some regrets at the loss of time he suffered, when reviewing how his stage unfolded. 

“The final was daunting and proved to be very difficult. Riding up to it, we were dodging the rain drops, but luck was with us because we had imagined we would experience wetter weather. I felt good on the first climbs, and even felt good at the foot of the Terminillo, where I was well placed among the favorites. Sky worked hard to increase the pace, but I was still very comfortable. Unfortunately, it started to snow more and harder, so my legs became heavy.

“I could not find the strength to respond to all the accelerations. In the midst of the snow storm,I finished as well as I could. It was a bit cold for me because I do really prefer dealing with the hottest days. You have to go through these sorts of days, though, because that’s how you learn.”

For his part, Kjell Carlström, one of the directeurs sportifs for IAM Cycling along with Rubens Bertogliati, was quick to take his hat off to his young rider. 

“Sébastien did everything right throughout the day. He was in a perfect position on the first climbs and found a good place for himself during the final ascent. We were sure that he would be able to play a more prominent role in the final. Unfortunately, the snow, the cold, and the wind that we saw in the final few kilometers did not allow him the chance to show his strength. He was absolutely frozen when he crossed the finish line.”