The 2015 wrap ORICA GreenEDGE & IAM Cycling
30 July 2015
Beginning of July the whole world of road cycling moved to Utrecht, in Netherlands to welcome the 102nd Edition of the Tour de France. As has been seen in the team’s Tour de France appearances to date, ORICA-GreenEDGE set off for their fourth start of the world’s toughest cycling race with high hopes of stage success while IAM Cycling has begun their 2nd Tour de France in Holland. Three weeks of sun, happiness and glory, later they reached the French capital; Paris.
On track for the first two days, stage three took a turn for the worst for many teams, but none more than ORICA-GreenEDGE. A brutal and large-scale high-speed pile up saw much of the peloton hit the ground. Simon Gerrans and Daryl Impey were victims of injuries that left them out of the race, whilst another crash to Michael Albasini saw him withdraw only 48 hours later.
The remaining six riders, despite numerous injuries and health setbacks, fought on bravely. By the close of the 2015 Tour de France, ORICA-GreenEDGE finished with seven top-ten stage results, including five to the Yates brothers and two with Michael Matthews.
IAM Cycling escaped from serious traumas during the night mare crash of Stage 3 and managed to hook a fantastic 3rd place with Jarlinson Pantano in Gap. Matthias Frank, the GC contender, came back to Paris with a brilliant 8th place which raises IAM Cycling’s hopes for the next stage races.
On Sunday the 26th of July, it was with great enthusiasm that riders started the 21st stage, the ultimate challenge in the 2015 Edition. For the riders it was a strange feeling. The feeling of having completed something special, a challenge for some, a consecration for others, but for everyone the Tour is an unbelievable and amazing experience.
Nothing beats finishing the race in the French capital. Paris is a highly cultural city, surrounded by outstanding monuments and architectural edifices. The Champ-Elysées is probably the most well-known avenue in the world, and for all riders it is a great sensation to roll over the cobbles of this avenue, while French aviation flies over spraying the French national colors into the sky.
The Tour de France time is now over and pro riders are reunited with family after spending weeks away. This moment is where you discover that sports and cycling are a complete devotion for pros and they must count on the support of their loved ones.
