After a strong showing in yesterday’s opening stage where Megan Jastrab took second and moved into the lead of the best young rider’s classification, Team DSM were more than motivated to repeat their performance today. Ahead of them lay a 153 kilometre route from Orust t0 Strömstad, and despite some rolling hills it looked set to be another sprint.

One potential factor that could have disrupted the day was a cross tailwind which followed the route for most the stage, and as a result the pace was high for most of the afternoon. As a result, despite the best efforts from some there was no real breakaway to speak of and it was all together heading into the finale. With the road changing direction the team tried to split it in the win but the sections were only short and everything regrouped; setting up another fast finale.

Moving up well as a group, the team were well positioned heading into the finale, avoiding a late crash. After the crash, things became a bit more hectic through the final turns and Jastrab opened up her sprint early. Powering to the line, she as ultimately passed by three others, but still collected an impressive fourth place; holding onto the white leader’s jersey for the team.

“Today was another opportunity to go for the sprint, and the girls did a great job getting me in position in the last three kilometres,” explained Jastrab. “There was some miscommunication on my part and then I got stressed and started my sprint way too early. I tried to hold on for third, but the finish line felt like it would never come. I finished fourth and am disappointed that I made these mistakes after all the work the team did. There are still some stages to try again, so I hope to improve on these points.”

Team DSM coach Huub Duijn added: “It was another long stage today in the Tour of Scandinavia. The girls where sharp on any attacks that went but with a strong tailwind, it was just a fast day in general where nobody could create a big gap. Towards the final we tried twice to split things up in the wind. Unfortunately, it was never open for long enough to really split it but the commitment was there to try it, and that was nice to see. Then we fully focused on bringing Megan into position and that went pretty well; until the last kilometre the whole team was there. In the corners with one kilometre to go, it was a bit messy, but luckily we all stayed upright. In the end Megan launched her sprint a little early and was passed just before the finish by three riders, getting a fourth place.”