Aqua Blue Sport; Irish team reacts
Aqua Blue Sport's Larry Warbasse with team owner Rick Delaney and director Nicki Sorensen after his Tour de Suisse win.
Some of the key people behind Aqua Blue Sport and its victory on stage 4 of the Tour de Suisse yesterday have spoken of their delight at the team’s breakthrough ride.
The Irish ProContinental team has imposed itself more forcefully and more often than expected in its first season.
However, it was not until Larry Warbasse crossed the finish line at Villars-sur-Ollon yesterday that it had converted its efforts into victory.
For team owner Rick Delaney the win was something of a validation.
“We started in January and the goal was to get race starts and then the objective was to perform as best we could in as many prestigious races as we could,” he said.
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“Firstly to be invited to the Tour de Suisse was a great honour and as the week started we took the mountains jersey with Lasse.”
“We have been in almost every break in every race we have started but to get one to stick on a day like today on a climb like today.
“For Larry it is an amazing moment to take his first win. His focus and determination and phenomenal work ethic...
“He had clear emotion today and it was magnificent to be there to share it with him.”
Warbasse was in tears as he articulated what the win meant for him and the team.
"It’s my first victory in my career - it’s amazing I love this race, I love Switzerland,” said the former rider with IAM Cycling, the Swiss WorldTour team that folded last year.
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“Today I felt like it was my home race. I’ve never had so many people cheering for me, everyone was yelling my name. I’m really happy.
“As soon as I got in the breakaway, I knew - I told everyone yesterday, I worked really hard the whole last season - I always give 110 per cent, I’m just so happy it finally paid off."
In the car yesterday guiding the team was former pro rider turned sports director Nicki Sorensen. Unsurprisingly, his relief at securing a first win was palpable.
“This is a great moment for the team and for Larry,” he said after watching Warbasse soloing to win.
“It is fantastic and a great, great relief to be able to say that we have our first victory.
“We have had a lot of challenges and a lot of tough times and some great times. This is our greatest moment.
“I just want to congratulate Larry and the whole Aqua Blue Sport team, riders and staff on this victory.”
Larry Warbasse has his say on a momentous day here at Aqua Blue Sport. #TourDeSuisse pic.twitter.com/vkwNVQSVOX
— Aqua Blue Sport (@AquaBlueSport) June 13, 2017
Here is our Sport Director @timbarry2 with his preview of the stage ahead. #TourDeSuisse pic.twitter.com/Gt7Sm389ob
— Aqua Blue Sport (@AquaBlueSport) June 13, 2017
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