Starting his career with a Swiss-American team at BMC Racing before moving into the Swiss IAM Cycling team, Larry Warbasse confirmed his affinity for the European country at the Tour de Suisse with his debut professional victory. Warbasse took his win via a day in the breakaway, holding off BMC's Damiano Caruso by 40 seconds.
The American's previous best result at the Tour de Suisse was third on stage 2 of the 2014 edition of the race. Despite just one top-ten result in 2017, Warbasse explained in winner's post-stage interview that he was confident of winning the hilltop finish at Villars-sur-Ollon from the moment he made it into the breakaway.
"As soon as I got in the breakaway (I knew I could win) - I told everyone yesterday, I worked really hard the whole last season - I always give 110%, I'm just so happy it finally paid off," an emotional Warbasse said.
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Not only was the win a breakthrough for Warbasse, but it was also the first for his Aqua Blue Sport squad at WorldTour level. The first year Pro-Continental team have been active since its racing debut in January at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race but hadn't converted its chances into victories. In a toast at the team hotel after the stage win, Warbasse thanked the team for giving him a lifeline last year and proving the opportunity achieve a personal dream.
"I want to say thank you to everyone. All you guys, all the riders, this is really an awesome group of guys to be a part of, and I have had more fun this year then I think any year I have been a pro so far and we are only halfway through the season," he said. "It's really just a group of riders, staff and everyone. I know I can't thank everyone enough. I know everyone here worked so hard and I know it's not easy but I know everyone is giving it their best. It has really been awesome.
"There was a point last year where I didn't know if I was still going to be a professional bike racer this year and this team gave me a life line. I am so happy that I am able to be here and be riding with you guys and for you guys. I really couldn't be happier. I shed more tears today than maybe another day of my life, and it really means a lot."
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