After a season of evolution, transitioning from a sprint team to a general classification contender, 2024 marks the return of the DSM-Firmenich team to its roots. This is evidenced by the arrival of Fabio Jakobsen and the formation of a new group of leaders.
“We grew up with sprinters like Marcel Kittel and John Degenkolb when we were really a sprint team. That brought us a lot,” reveals sports director Roy Curvers to the Dutch website In de Leiderstrui.
“After that, we focused more on GC work with cyclists like Warren Barguil, Tom Dumoulin, and Wilko Kelderman. We were fully committed to that.”
The team also achieved success in their GC ambitions. Dumoulin won the Giro d’Italia in 2017 and finished as the runner-up in the Tour de France in 2018. But now, there is a feeling within the team that a return to sprinting could be better for business.
Regret over giving up sprints
“Two years ago, we regretted giving up sprints or having less focus on them. If you have a top sprinter with good sprint training, you can compete all year round,” explains Curvers.
“There’s a sprint in every race, so you can generate publicity throughout the year. That’s really the reason, although it’s also true that we know from the past that we can do well and profile ourselves that way.”
Fabio Jakobsen’s motivation was decisive
“I think it’s a very good match. I’m talking about Fabio’s motivation and his way of working, but also his direct approach,” Curvers responds. “We are very pleased with that. Of course, he brings his performances, but we are especially happy that he brings his personality.”
