Development Team DSM were back in action this afternoon at Ronde van Overijssel, faced with an almost 200 kilometre long parcours. A race of attrition, the pace slowly ramped up throughout the afternoon as the team rode well as a unit, always making sure to be present in any dangerous moves that looked to be forming. Heading into the final 40 kilometres the peloton eventually split with Casper van Uden and Pavel Bittner representing the team after some good work by the rest of the squad.

Responding well to the continued attacks, the Development Team DSM duo looked strong but unfortunately contact in the bunch saw Van Uden crash at around 25 kilometres to go, meaning Bittner was alone in the front. The race’s attacking nature continued, with Bittner following several moves but ultimately heading into the finish it was all set up for a sprint. Launching early, Bittner managed to get a bike length over the opposition but on the slight drag up to the line he was passed, eventually crossing the finish in a strong fifth place.

“The guys did a super good job from the beginning to keep us in the front and catch any dangerous breakaways,” said Bittner. “We were together at all the important points. At kilometre 160 there was a crucial point where Casper and I were in front. We were getting ready for the final but unfortunately Casper had a bad crash so it meant I was on my own. I then had to follow some dangerous attacks and spend a bit more energy than I hoped, but I had really good legs so was in quite a good position for the final and sprint. Maybe I started the sprint a bit too early but in the end I finished fifth so after such an unfortunate final I tried my best, but there are still things I can learn from today for next time.”

Team DSM coach Bennie Lambregts added: “It was a steady rhythm today and a race of attrition in Overijssel. Our plan today was to go for Pavel in the finale. We had some bad luck because Casper crashed at around 25 kilometres to go, meaning Pavel was alone in the front peloton. If we had Casper there to help in the lead out in the finale, then I think we could have got an even better result than we did today. Nonetheless, Pavel did what he could and the guys overall did a good race together. It’s also a good race for them to gain more experience against a strong peloton.”