Photo Credit: Tour de Normandie 

After missing out to the breakaway yesterday, where they were one of the only teams to work chasing in the peloton, Development Team DSM were more motivated than ever today as they rolled out for the second day of racing at Tour de Normandie. Awaiting them was a somewhat rolling 187 kilometre long route from Le Neubourg to Forges-les-Eaux, but a day that looked set up for a sprint finish.

It was a fast start to proceedings before a breakaway eventually went clear after 30 kilometres, building up a two minute advantage. Yet, the threat of crosswinds loomed over the bunch and with an exposed section of road fast approaching, it was all back together. The pack exploded at 100 kilometres to go, with all six of the team’s riders making it into the front group of around 30 but soon the road direction changed and the pace slowed, allowing things to regroup.

A new breakaway formed out front but the team were focused on the goal of setting up Casper van Uden for the finale. Working well as a group, they and a few other teams slowly eked into the leaders advantage and heading into the closing three kilometres it was all together. Peeling off one-by-one, the guys charged to the front of the peloton on the slight drag to the line before Van Uden launched a powerful sprint. Giving it everything to the finish, Van Uden managed to hold off his nearest competitor Jeannière in the throw to the line – sitting up to celebrate a wonderful win and getting Team DSM’s Development Program’s tally up and running for the season.

“After yesterday we were all super motivated for today,” smiled a jubilant Van Uden after the stage. “The boys did an amazing job today. We were super sharp for all of the key moments in the crosswinds and any danger points. Throughout the stage and heading into the final everyone was very committed and super professional. It’s just really awesome to finish their hard work off and take the win for them. I’m super happy!”

Team DSM coach Bennie Lambregts added: “It was a really great job from the whole team today. In the echelon parts we were always there with the six of us, especially when the bunch split into three parts, we were all in the front group of around 30 riders which was great. The echelon section didn’t last long though and it came back together. In the final the guys did an incredible job in the lead-out to set up Casper, it was great. I think the guys made a big step today in terms of their total performance as a group and we’ll take a lot of confidence with us into the next stages.”