Moritz Kärsten 4th on stage 2 of Circuit des Ardennes

Moritz Kärsten rounded out a strong team display on the second stage of the Circuit des Ardennes taking fourth from what was left of the breakaway having spent much of the day out front.

Development Team DSM started the day firmly on the front foot with Patrick Eddy getting in the first meaningful breakaway of the day before Kärstenthen bridged across with two others to make it seven out front. This move built a lead of over three minutes before the peloton started to claw time back heading into the final 50 kilometres.

With the gap dropping fast, four riders jumped clear from behind, catching the break and then taking Kärsten and one other with them. The six started to grow their advantage again to over one minute, maintaining this gap deep into the finale. With the pace at the front proving too much for two of the riders, Kärsten was the final rider left from the early breakaway holding on for fourth place.

As a reward for their efforts, both Kärsten and Eddy paid a visit to the podium, taking most combative rider of the day and the sprints competition on the day respectively.

After the stage Moritz Kärsten commented: “The team did a good job in the beginning to cover every break and I was able to be in the first big move but we get caught after 10 kilometres. Then Pat got in a breakaway with three other guys and I was really feeling strong and the situation was really perfect to bridge over.

“After 135 kilometres we got caught by the final break and I was the only one who was able to stay in this breakaway. On the last climb I was already seeing stars and wasn’t able to hold the wheels anymore but I think fourth place is still good after this effort. In the end I get also the jersey for the most combative rider and Pat won the bonus sprint. We can be proud about the team effort today, being in the break with two DSM guys and representing the team in a good way.”

Team coach Joey Van Rhee added: “It was a really good day for the team and from the start we made the plan to go all in for the breakaway. The break started with Pat then about 10km later Mortiz joined the move. The two in front did a really good job and those behind positioned themselves well near the front too.

“The local lap was really hard and Pat was dropped but Moritz did a really good day and survived in the break as the last one from the early break and took fourth. A really good day for the team and the guys did a really good job together with the teamwork so I’m really proud of the guys.”