Team dsm-firmenich PostNL take resounding ZLM Tour sprint win with Casper van Uden

Continuing their good run of form in recent races in the lowlands of Europe, Team dsm-firmenich PostNL took a fantastic win on home Dutch soil with Casper van Uden at the ZLM Tour on Thursday afternoon.

With little to no difficulty in terms of climbing, as expected in the province of Zeeland, stage two at the ZLM Tour was expected to end in a fast finale. Setting out with that exact goal, Team dsm-firmenich PostNL contributed to the pace setting throughout the day and helped to keep the resilient breakaway in check. On the narrow and twisting roads the team were always well positioned, keeping fast finisher Van Uden safe ahead of the finale. The peloton ultimately made the catch just outside the flamme rouge, with Van Uden dropped off by the squad in a perfect position. Not wanting to get boxed in on the narrow finish straight, Van Uden launched a powerful kick at around 300 metres to go, catching the competition off guard. Maintaining that high speed all the way to the line, Van Uden could raise his arms aloft and celebrate his third win of the year and the Men’s program’s tenth of the season.

Speaking after the stage an elated Van Uden expressed: “The boys did a really good job today. It was hectic but I think we stayed calm throughout the stage. Then in the sprint, it was narrow and I wanted to go early to not get blocked, and could hold off to the line. They were super strong and I can’t thank them enough and everyone back home and at HQ for their belief and work. I’m super happy to get another win with the team today.”

Team dsm-firmenich PostNL coach Joey van Rhee added: “We started with one plan and that was to go for the sprint with Casper. We took the lead in controlling the break alongside the race leader’s team. Everything went pretty smoothly. Towards the final we had the goal to make sure that Casper was in a good position, so if that meant that even at five kilometres to go everyone was done, then that was also okay. I saw that everyone did some really good work together. Firstly, our two young guys Frank and Oliver did a great job, then later on with Pat, Timo and Tim, they really held Casper in position so he wasn’t in any trouble. He started his sprint at around 250 metres to go and did a super effort, and there wasn’t anyone who got close to him. It was a strong ride from the team and we’re all looking forward to tomorrow and the next days.”