Team dsm-firmenich PostNL Tour de France Femmes delight, back-to-back sprint wins with Charlotte Kool

After making history on stage one, Team dsm-firmenich PostNL continued their incredible run at the Tour de France Femmes, sprinting to stage two victory with yellow jersey wearing Charlotte Kool for another memorable day on home Dutch soil.

Tuesday morning’s stage saw a short but fast 68 kilometres from Dordrecht to Rotterdam. Resplendent in the yellow jersey, Team dsm-firmenich PostNL rolled out from the start line with the goal of making it two wins in two stages, aiming to set up the sprint with finisher Charlotte Kool once again. Despite a few attacks, the stage was always well controlled and coming into the finale the battle between the sprint trains was well and truly on. Biding their time and waiting to come from the back into the headwind sprint, the team moved forward at the perfect moment and brought Kool into a great position inside the last 500 metres. Showing the same strength as yesterday’s epic victory, Kool kicked hard and launched from the wheels, flying past the opposition and surpassing everyone come the line to take another fantastic win. With that, Kool and the team retain the jersey ahead of this afternoon’s time trial.

A delighted Kool said: “It was quite a chaotic sprint. We were a bit far back but knew that we had to stay calm and we did just that. In the end I launched my sprint and that was enough. We were in control throughout the stage but we heard there were some crashes so we hope everyone is okay. It was quite a hectic course but when it is like that in the finale, I think I can do well. Dreams seem to come true quite fast these days. First yesterday with the win and then to do it again with the team today in the yellow jersey, it is just incredible. I didn’t expect this two weeks ago, it’s really special and I’m just so happy.”

Team dsm-firmenich PostNL coach Albert Timmer added: “It was really nice to be in the yellow jersey today and even more special to get another win while we are in the Netherlands. We stayed calm in what was another hectic final and as the gap opened up, it was perfect for Charlotte to sprint to the win. The team did a good job again and we can be pleased with how we worked together and committed to each other for the result. Now this afternoon we will do everything we can to try and defend the yellow jersey in the time trial.”