Switching teams also means switching bikes. Israel Start-Up Nation started in the Volta a Catalunya with several new riders, who got another chance to compete with their new Factor SLiCKs in today’s individual time trial.
For Daryl Impey, it was the second time riding the bike in competition. He said, after the race, that he was happy with his performance.
“As always, there are a few improvements I can make, but I wanted to give a good effort today and see what I could do in a strong field,” Impey said.
He had extra motivation today as his family came out to watch. “That was a good motivation to keep pushing.” He finished 28th.
Impey’s (and the rest of the team’s) eyes are on the mountainous stages to come – tomorrow is the first uphill finish.
Sport Director Rik Verbrugghe saw a motivated team in the individual time trial and is eager to see how his riders will perform over the next few days. “Today was the first small test, tomorrow is the first big test.”
He knows that there are plenty of mountains coming. “I am looking forward to that, as we have a strong team for the next few stages.”
