Team dsm-firmenich take Tour Alsace final stage success with debutant Frank van den Broek

Photo Credit: DirectVelo / Freddy Guérin

After some strong teamwork and solid results in the opening stages, Team dsm-firmenich were able to round out the Tour Alsace by taking a brilliant final day stage win with debutant Frank van den Broek.

A day dominated by the long climb in the finale before a flatter run-in to the finish, Team dsm-firmenich were attentive and active from the start; monitoring the race for any dangerous breakaways. When the original move was caught, several counter attacks were attempted before the team managed to set up Van den Broek who made it into a group of 11. Riding smartly, the Development Team dsm-firmenich rider followed a split in the group before the ascent; where he showed his climbing prowess by remaining firm when the other GC contenders jumped across from the peloton. Over the top of the climb, Van den Broek pushed the pace once more and managed to force a split, drawing clear two other riders. Working well as a unit, they extended their gap over the chasers and it was clear they would fight for the win. Despite some probing attacks in the finale, Van den Broek held his nerve and controlled the other two riders well before leading out from the front. Not looking back, he kept his head down all the way to the line and could sit up to celebrate a brilliant first win in his debut race in Team dsm-firmenich colours. With the gaps at the finish, it also saw the team secure third place overall too – another fine reward for some great team racing.

Speaking after the stage an elated Van den Broek said: “I was able to sneak away in a breakaway just before the bottom of the Ferme Auberge du Freundstein and start with a small advantage. Halfway up the climb the group with GC guys took over and I could follow. On the descent I rode away with two other guys and we kept working together in the flat run in to the finish. I was feeling confident in my sprint and led it out myself on this tricky finish. I’m really happy to reward the hard work of the guys this last week and how I was also welcomed in the team by everyone.”

Team dsm-firmenich coach Bennie Lambregts said: “We started this week with a focus on getting the basics right and day-by-day it has been getting better and better. Yesterday we had a bit of an off-day but today the guys were incredible, they supported Frank in a really good way. Frank then had the legs to be able to finish it off. He already attacked 50 kilometres from the finish and was strong from that point and in the rest of the stage. We finished a week of hard work and really good teamwork in the perfect way; so big compliments to the riders but also the staff here too.”