Thymen Arensman confirmed his second place overall at the Tour de Pologne on today’s final stage which concluded in a bunch sprint, with no change in the overall after yesterday’s stage where he moved into the runner’s up spot just 11 seconds off the race lead. On the stage, Nikias Arndt was the team’s highest placed finisher in 14th spot.

The stage looked like one for a sprint but with some tricky climbs to get over during the stage it was one to stay attentive on, something the team focused on throughout. After the early breakaway had established itself at the front of the race the team set about protecting Arensman in the peloton and keeping him out of trouble, with Joris Nieuwenhuis helping with the chase to control the break’s advantage. Then once the race was back together in the closing stages the guys rallied around Arensman before Arndt pushed ahead in the finale to contest the bunch sprint.

Second place overall, a stage win on day six, third on stage 5 as well as other high placings and positive racing throughout – the team rounds out the Tour de Pologne on a successful note.

Thymen Arensman said after the finish: “It was a pretty hard stage actually but the guys did a good job controlling the break in the beginning. In the end only a small break went which normally would make for an easy day but still it was a hard pace. The guys always had me in a good position and did a good lead-out into the final laps – I was never outside the top 20 and never in trouble. Big compliments to the guys, also for the whole week. The commitment was really good. Also to get my first pro victory in the time trial and to share it with the team was a really nice feeling, so a big thank you and compliments to the whole team, the riders and everyone back at HQ.”

Team DSM coach Luke Roberts added: “Today’s final stage was quite difficult terrain, undulating roads and some steep climbs in there. We knew it could get a bit tricky if a strong breakaway went so our goal was to try and make sure we could secure second overall and bring Thymen in safely. The boys did a great job helping control in the beginning then when it went riding a good position. Joris rode in the chase to help keep things in control then in the finale in Krakow again the guys supported Thymen well, keeping him in a good position and made sure we secured second on GC.

“Good commitment from the boys all week and we’re happy that it paid off with second place on GC. We can be satisfied with the week, a nice result for all the work that the whole team has put in here.”