The Vuelta a España got underway today under the Dutch evening light, as the peloton blasted their way around the streets of Utrecht for a 23.3 kilometre long team time trial. With technical and tight turns combined with power sections throughout the route; it was set to be a fast ride in the saddle.

Rolling down the ramp the team started off strongly, following their pacing plan well. Unfortunately, John Degenkolb punctured only a few kilometres into the run and the team were quickly down to seven, which would hamper their efforts. Nonetheless, everyone regrouped and pushed as hard as they could throughout the course, stopping the clock in 25 minutes and 33 seconds; a time that would see them end the day in 12th once all the other teams had finished their rides.

Speaking after the stage Thymen Arensman said: “We were unlucky as John punctured after only six kilometres and to lose a strong rider like him that early is tough. I’m proud of the boys though and how we bounced back, we didn’t let our head down and kept pushing full gas and everyone gave 110 percent. Of course it’s a bit disappointing as we had hoped to be closer to the top but I think we can be proud of how we bounced back – tomorrow is another day. It’s really special to be here in the Netherlands and hearing my name being shouted from the side of the road, I’m looking forward to the next two days here.”

Team DSM coach Matt Winston added: “It was a solid team time trial. We don’t get many opportunities to do them. We have a young squad and a few guys have never done one in a race before. I think we came through it well. We made a few small mistakes but I think the biggest thing today was that John punctured after six kilometres; which was really disappointing to lose him. It was at a moment where if we waited for him then we would lose a lot of time in the GC so we continued without John, but he safely made the time cut so that’s good. I think that also definitely cost us time overall in the stage, but it’s a decent start and shows the guys are in good shape and are motivated for this Vuelta.”