Multiple Grand Tour stage-winner and sprinter extraordinaire Fabio Jakobsen joins Team dsm-firmenich

Team dsm-firmenich are delighted to reveal that the exceptionally talented, fast Dutch sprinter Fabio Jakobsen will join the team next season, riding in the distinctive two-striped jersey until at least the end of 2026.

At still a young age of only 26, Jakobsen is one of the most successful sprinters in the current peloton with 43 wins to his name. Having turned pro in 2018 he immediately hit the ground running, taking seven wins in his opening campaign, including the “unofficial sprinters world championships” as it’s commonly known at Scheldeprijs. 2019 saw him continue that trajectory with another seven wins and his first taste of Grand Tour stage success where he won two stages at his debut Vuelta a España. Starting 2020 strongly, Jakobsen already took three wins by March before Covid-19 halted the season. Returning to racing, Jakobsen’s life was turned upside down on the opening day at the Tour de Pologne after a horrific crash. It is testament then to his nature and resilient character, and alongside some incredible mental fortitude, that after undergoing his physical recovery, he was back in action the following year and would add three more Vuelta a España stage wins to his palmarès. Continuing to stamp his mark as one of the most prodigious sprinters in the peloton, 2022 saw Jakobsen claim his first Tour de France stage win before winning the European championship with the Dutch national team. A proven winner, Jakobsen has notched up a further five wins in the 2023 campaign so far, a tally he will look to add to before returning to a team on home soil next season, where he aims to build on his pedigree as a top sprinter.

Jakobsen expressed: “From when I was in the younger age categories this was one of the big and upcoming teams in the biggest races such as the Tour de France. It was always something to look up to. When you walk past the pink jersey, polka dot jersey, the green jersey, see the World Team Time Trial championships; I think this team has a legacy and it’s an honour to become a part of it.

I have had some beautiful moments and nice memories but I’m only turning 27 at the end of the month so I still think I have more good years in the legs, and I’m really motivated to be fast and to win together.

In top sport you always aim for the highest and there are always areas for improvement, and I think that is something which I know I can do here. I think every athlete needs a motivating, step-by-step process to get to the highest level. I think this is an environment where that is facilitated in the most optimal way with a lot of experts and with their help, I look forward to finding that edge again.”

Fabio Jakobsen is planned to play a pivotal role as the finisher of Team dsm-firmenich’s sprint train about which Jakobsen says: “As a sprinter you cannot win alone. You need teammates to pull, help you over the mountains, help you on those difficult days, position you for the sprint, and of course the team off the bike too. That is one of the reasons why I am here; this is a team where I know I won’t be on my own. I will get that support which is then the basis of being able to sprint for victory.

The team has had some beautiful wins this season which shows the team is capable and I hope to contribute to that also. It’s the main reason why I wanted to join, I have fast legs and can get to the line first, but I also need a good team to be able to do that. I am confident that if we invest and work together then we can have lots more success together.

I don’t know everything, but I’ve had six good years in the peloton and learned from some great experienced riders who have been in the sport for over 10 years. I like to learn all the time at every race so I hope that I can motivate the young riders but also work together with the more experienced riders to create an optimal environment and atmosphere for everybody to excel; to chase wins and to do it together. Like I said, as a sprinter you never win alone, you win with the team and that’s what I hope to find at Team dsm-firmenich.”

Team dsm-firmenich head coach Rudi Kemna added: “Sportive wise, everyone knows that Fabio is one of the top sprinters in the world and we’re happy to have him as part of our team. We had really nice conversations about our goals of winning sprints at the highest level together and how we will go about achieving that. Fabio has a really strong character, and he is a very determined and resilient individual. He always wants to get the most out of himself and those around him; and that is something we really admire and adhere to as a team as well. We’re looking forward to the coming years together as we bring our sprint group to the highest level.”