Team dsm-firmenich PostNL got the second week of racing underway at the Giro d’Italia with a brilliant ride, supporting Romain Bardet who took second place atop the Bocca della Selva climb.
Leaving from the historical site of Pompei, the opening hour of racing was as explosive as the famous nearby dormant volcano, with multiple attacks in the peloton. Team dsm-firmenich PostNL set out with the goal to be represented in the move and after some brilliant teamwork they got Chris Hamilton, Kevin Vermaerke and Romain Bardet into the large group after 60 kilometres of action. Through a combination of Hamilton and Vermaerke setting a good tempo, and the peloton eventually backing off, it was clear those out front would fight for the stage win.
Hamilton and Vermaerke kept Bardet safe and fresh as they progressed to the Intergiro sprint point which was on a climb. Wary of the potential danger Bardet followed some attacks and over the top found himself in a counter-move of four behind new lone leader Tratnik as they headed towards the final ascent; while behind Vermaerke and Hamilton covered the chasing group. Tratnik had built up a lead of roughly one minute which meant Bardet and his breakaway companions had to increase the pace and with around eight kilometres to go Bardet and Paret-Peintre formed a chasing duo. Eating into the gap slowly over the next few kilometres, Paret-Peintre would eventually make his stage winning move with three kilometres remaining, putting in a stinging attack. Bardet dug deep and tried to follow, but had to ride his own tempo to the line, eventually taking a very strong second place and moving back up to seventh on GC with it; after a brilliant Team dsm-firmenich PostNL performance.
