The weeks go by and the picture just keeps getting better for Johann Tschopp. The 30-year-old IAM Cycling rider continues to collect good places and solid performances.

Already evident at the Tour of Oman, and then moving on to win the best climber’s competition at Paris-Nice, the Swiss rider from the Valais region made another strong impression at the final stage of the Critérium International on Sunday. An impressive 7th place at the summit of the col de L’Ospedale, finishing less than one minute behind stage and overall winner and Tour de France favourite, Christopher Froome (Sky), made it possible for Tschopp to move up to 9th place in the overall standings, a result that IAM Cycling will be hoping won’t go unnoticed by the likes of the ASO, the organizers of the Tour de France.

“I felt at ease,” Tschopp said commenting on the queen stage of the Criterium International. “We rode the stage perfectly before getting to the climb. We stayed in the peloton without spending energy in breaks or anything like that. The team helped me a lot. Then I attacked 7 km from the finish where the climb first kicked up steeply.”

Being caught and eventually dropped by a skyrocketing Froome did not trouble Tschopp as he climbed towards the summit finish.

“I didn’t panic. I just tried to attack again. But the climb has a funny rolling quality, particularly at the end so it favours guys like Froome, Porte (Sky) and van Garderen (BMC). Once they passed me there was nothing to do but go my own tempo. Team Sky has been a notch above all other teams the entire season, but I was still able to keep to Froome’s pace when the slope was steepest, which is very encouraging for the coming races; my legs are obviously going well.”

Speaking of his strong start to the season, Tschopp stresses the importance of the confidence placed in him by the team.

“IAM Cycling has put its confidence in me. I have never had that honour or luxury before in my career. Everyone, whether they are the riders, directors or support staff, they all seem to feel I have the necessary talent and drive, and that makes me feel even more confident, too. And I am also being very careful in my preparation for the Tour of Romandie. Last week I was training at altitude at the Gemmi Pass along with my teammate Sébastien Reichenbach, and I will be heading back there soon for another two weeks of training.”