Continuing their strong start to the 2024 campaign, Team dsm-firmenich PostNL survived the echelons at the AlUla Tour with Casper van Uden and Nils Eekhoff making the front group, with Eekhoff setting up Van Uden who sprinted to a strong third place.
Leaving the start line near the AlUla international airport, the bunch were faced with 170 mostly flat kilometres through the Saudi Arabian desert before ending the day at the Camel Cup Track. It was a steady start to proceedings with an early break going clear and all Team dsm-firmenich PostNL riders in the bunch, conserving their energy for what was to come. At around 80 kilometres to go the pace, and wind, whipped up and the bunch split into three groups with the team well represented to the fore. Catching the breakaway, a fierce 20 kilometres of action followed before the road changed direction and things calmed down again.
A new break formed out front, before another change of direction split things up for good. After being well positioned by the rest of the team, Eekhoff and Van Uden made the lead group as the final kilometres ticked by in a flash. Heading into the closing five kilometres Eekhoff was alert to the danger and shutdown some dangerous attacks before positioning Van Uden brilliantly for the sprint. Kicking early, Van Uden gave it his all to the line but was just overtaken by two riders, settling for a fine third place finish on the day. It’s also a result that sees the team move back into the race lead with Van Uden while Eekhoff himself holds onto fourth overall.
