RideLondon sprint success for Team DSM with Charlotte Kool

Shouldered with the majority of the early work Team DSM stepped forward brilliantly on the opening stage at RideLondon Classique, closing down the early break, then joining the late moves with Charlotte Kool and Pfeiffer Georgi; the latter of whom positioned Kool perfectly who then powered to the win.

A nervy start saw several attempts before eventually a breakaway went clear. Taking up the onus in the chase, Maeve Plouffe controlled the gap which slowly fell as the kilometres ticked by with the attackers caught at 40 kilometres to go. More attacks then went, with an elite group going clear that Kool and Georgi infiltrated. Riding smartly throughout the closing 20 kilometres, the Team DSM duo contributed to the pace and patrolled the group in equal measure. On the technical run-in Georgi delivered Kool perfectly who in sight of the finish line the kicked hard and surged to the line; delivering another incredible sprint win with Team DSM and as a result moves into the race lead.

Speaking after the stage a smiling Kool said: “It was quite an easy race in the beginning. There were a few girls in the breakaway so we set the pace and kept it steady so the gap wouldn’t grow too big. In the final the other teams started racing, so Pfeiffer and I countered the attacks, and Megan also closed down one really well, but we had to really adjust to following the moves. Me and Pfeiffer ended up in the front group. Pfeiffer was perfect, just riding and not wasting energy countering attacks. In the final she did an amazing lead out and I just had to finish it off, so I’m really proud to take this victory here and let’s go for it on the other days.”