Today in the third stage of the Challenge Mallorca, Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana, the Stradalli – Bike Aid team got an education and understanding of what truly separates a continental team from a multi-million dollar World Tour Team.
The race included more than 9000 feet of climbing into a 149.9 kilometer (88.5 mile) stage. At first you would think the racers would take it easy with a start like that. Not if you were on one of the World Tour Teams. They attacked early and kept going. The Stradalli-Bike Aid riders had a max wattage of over 700 watts in only the first 6 kilometers.
The stage started with a 4.5 ascent of the Col de Soller which had sections that were so steep that many of the team cars could barely make it up the mountain in second gear. It was an incredibly challenging day filled with competitive racing. Stradalli – Bike Aid rider Daniel Bichlmann wasn't intimidated by the mountain and began the first breakaway of the day with one Russian rider for 6 kilometers, but despite the tremendous effort in the race the world tour teams took over.
Tom Steinbacher, title sponsor owner for Stradalli – Bike Aid, wasn't disappointed with the results and applauded the team for their efforts.
“When you go against the best in the world all you can ask for from your team is that they give it everything they have and that's exactly what the Stradalli-Bike Aid team did this race. They left it all out there and I am very proud of them.” Steinbacher said.
Steinbacher feels that the experience in Mallorca will help the team throughout the year as they learned a lot about themselves, how to battle, how to race with the big teams and much more.
“We are a young team with a lot to learn, but the guys show they are up to the challenge. They constantly battled and showed tremendous heart. They are grateful for everything whether it's the bikes, the sponsors and the opportunity to compete against teams like Team Sky, Lotto Soudal, Ettix – Quick Step and Team Dimension Data.” Steinbacher said.
Steinbacher feels that the racers are improving after every race.
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