Brändle and Saramotins on top in France

IAM Cycling dominated the head and the legs of the Tour du Jura.  In the 189.3 kilometer race between Saignelégier and Porrentruy, the Swiss Pro Continental team notched up its 11^th win of the season.  Marcello Albasini’s talented protégés actually scored a double thanks to the splendid solo victory by Matthias Brändle and then Aleksejs Saramotins taking the sprint for second place in front of Andrea Piechele (Ceramica Flaminia).

“The competition was tougher than when Marcel Wyss dominated the Tour of Bern, but the guys have really mastered their lessons.  Matthias Brändle went first with four other guys and then Saramotins from kilometer 3.  The rest of the peloton never saw them again.  And after an unsuccessful first attempt to breakaway with 60 kilometers to go, Brändle rode away from his companions and was on his own for something like 40 kilometers to claim his first road victory of the year.  Behind him, the other guys stood in solidarity.  I enjoyed seeing Johann Tschopp back in the group after his injury.  He was comfortable on the climbs.  I’m happy for him.” explained Marcello Albasini



The clear air of the Jura gave wings this weekend to the riders of IAM Cycling.  Less than 24 hours after Matthias Brändle’s victory in Porrentruy at the end of the Tour du Jura, Aleksejs Saramotins followed up his second place on Saturday with the victory today, giving IAM Cycling its 12 win of the season.  

To sweeten the success, Saramotins, who is the current road race champion of Latvia, took his victory by out-sprinting a certain Thomas Voeckler (Europcar).  Suffice it to say that performances are a dream come true for the team lead by Marcello (Mr. Lucky, as he was known during his time at Cervélo) Albasini.  He had only big congratulations to offer his riders, soaking up all the great emotions that accompany the successes. 

For his part, the hero of the day, Aleksejs Saramotins has rarely savored a victory as much as he has this first triumph while wearing the IAM Cycling colors.  “It’s too good; it’s too good to win like that because I did not have the amazing legs that I had yesterday.  I was dead at the end and I really had to dig so deep.  I somehow found the energy in spite of the fact Voeckler made two little digs in the sprint attempts.  This victory for me, like Matthias’ yesterday, is particularly sweet because I have waited so long for it.  That makes it all the more beautiful.”