Vlad Van Mechelen powers to 2nd place after strong TT by Development Team DSM

Development Team DSM set off for their first stage race of the season on Wednesday afternoon, as the Olympia’s Tour got underway with a short and fast individual time trial around the race circuit in Assen. Rain and wind made for a tough afternoon but each and every one of the Development program riders gave it their all, setting good times throughout the stage. The first rider down the ramp, Adam Seeman, set the early benchmark time for the rest of the team, before Frank Aron Ragilo and Patrick Eddy would stop the clock in 11 minutes and 16 seconds, and 11 minutes and 17 seconds respectively; moving into the provisional top five at the time.

As the riders continued to charge around the course, strong times were set by all in the peloton, before Vlad Van Mechelen would power to the top of the timing sheets; completing the nine kilometre course in ten minutes and 56 seconds. The phenomenal ride would see him take to the hot seat, and after a nervous and long wait, he would only be toppled by one rider – eventually finishing the stage with a strong second place. Unfortunately, strong time trial rider Enzo Leijnse had an issue with his bike and couldn’t compete for a top result, but wears the combativity jersey as a consolation prize.

Quotes and reaction underneath.

Van Mechelen said: “It was a really good day and I’m happy to take my first podium with the team. I did a really good TT, I think it was one of my finest days on the bike as a rider so far. I had a really great feeling in the TT and that gives confidence for rest of the week. Of course it’s a bit disappointing to be this close to the win and miss out but there are more chances to come in the future. The rest of the team also did a good job too and we have a few other guys up there as well. We have some numbers to use throughout the week and we can challenge for a nice result in the GC with that. I’m looking forward to the next few days.”

Team DSM coach Joey van Rhee added: “That was a good start for us at Olympia’s Tour. All guys gave everything in there first TT of the year and they did really well and they can be proud of that. Unfortunately, Enzo had a broken bike which ruined his chances of a top result for us, but Vlad took second place and was only one second from taking the top step. It was a great team effort and we have several guys close to the top of the classification so that’s perfect for us to play the game in the coming stages.”