Peter Sagan (Cannondale) proved once again his power and tactical sense by triumphing in the third stage of the Tirreno- Adriatico, which finished at the highest possible point in the medieval hill-top town of Arezzo.  

 

Following a historic day where the Swiss team took its first World Tour victory, IAM Cycling did not rest on its laurels.  Matteo Pelucchi spent the day in the points classification jersey as a result of his efforts in winning a fantastic sprint victory in stage 2. 

 

Kjell Carlström, one of the directeurs sportif present for IAM Cycling, was pleased with the work that his riders did on this third stage.  “

 

We planned a scenario that would help Heinrich Haussler to arrive at the final section in a position to win a stage that was so clearly suited to the puncheurs.   But we also had Martin Elmiger there if Haussler was not able to manage the steep percentage of the slope.  But our plan did not work out as we had hoped.  Nevertheless, Thomas Löfkvist and Marcel Wyss, who we have protected for the overall, managed not to lose time in this complicated finish.”

 

Roger Kluge, who has proved himself to be an ideal teammate time and again, was frank when talking about the very selective final. 

 

“Since we were so successful at putting Matteo Pelucchi in a position to win yesterday, we wanted to do everything we could to do that for Heinrich Haussler since the topography looked made to order.  But it was really difficult to get the necessary position considering how narrow and serpentine the roads were.  Heino will still have a chance in Tirreno. 

 

"Tomorrow is another day, which will be much harder since we have 244 kilometers to cover.  And the summit finish, after a proper 16 kilometer climb, should decide the overall.  We will work to help our leaders.  Personally, I feel good.  I recovered well after my shoulder surgery.  I’m progressing every day and should be at the top of my form in time for the classics campaign.”

 

You can read our preview of stage 4 here.