One of the most significant cycling transfers this summer is Fabio Jakobsen’s move to DSM-Firmenich. The Dutch sprinter is poised to become the sprint weapon that Iwan Spekenbrink’s team intends to wield in pursuit of victories. However, not everyone is certain about the potential success of this transfer.
Former teammate of Jakobsen, Stijn Steels, voiced his doubts on the Eurosport podcast, “Kop over Kop.” “I’m not sure how things will unfold at DSM-Firmenich. This team could use a sprinter and has been trying to set up a new sprint train for a while, but I’m not convinced if it’s the right team for Fabio to start with.”
Steels raced alongside Jakobsen at Soudal Quick-Step in 2020, 2021, and 2022, thus being well-acquainted with the Dutch rider. The Belgian cyclist retired at the end of 2022 and currently works as an analyst/co-commentator at Eurosport, where he shared his views on Jakobsen’s transfer to DSM-Firmenich.
“I’m mostly thinking about the structure here. Fabio is someone who needs confidence and also freedom. I’ve never raced for DSM, and of course, I rely on stories from the outside, but I’m not sure if a team that’s said to have strict protocols, along with everything that comes with it, aligns with Fabio,” he believes. On Tuesday, it was announced that Harm Vanhoucke, a fellow Belgian like Steels, had his contract terminated by DSM-Firmenich.
However, Steels also sees a potential positive aspect in the collaboration between Jakobsen and the Dutch team, and he mentions it. “On the other hand, a completely new framework could also lead to a fresh start. Fabio has been struggling for a while now. A new setting might provide a renewed boost to chase that edge again,” concludes the former professional cyclist.