Bardet and Dainese lead Team DSM-Firmenich's stage hunting Vuelta a Espana lineup

As fans continue to count down the days until the 2023 Vuelta a Espana kicks off, Team DSM-Firmenich have become the latest team to unveil their lineup as they look to chase stage wins.

In years gone by, Romain Bardet would have entered the Vuelta as one of the favourites for overall victory in the general classification. This time around however, the Frenchman has outlined his plan to opt for a stage-hunting strategy.

The likes of British duo Oscar Onley and Max Poole will also be dangerous riders in mountainous breakaways with Italian sprinter Alberto Dainese the man for the flat stages Team DSM-Firmenich will be backing. Completing the lineup are Romain Combaud, Sean Flynn, Chris Hamilton and Lorenzo Milesi.

“We’re looking forward to starting the final Grand Tour of the year at the Vuelta a España. We have a nice balance of experience in our line-up with four of our guys making their three-week debut which will be an important step in their development," says coach Phil West. "Sportive wise, our main goal will be to search for our opportunities over the 21 days, hunting for stage results on the mixed terrain; with chances in the mountains and hilly days for our climbers, while our rouleurs will play their cards on the rolling terrain, and of course we have the sprints as well."

"With our line-up we are also looking to the future with our young GC talents; using it as an opportunity to learn from our more experienced riders on how to ride GC in a three-week race, which will be an invaluable experience for the coming years. As for the route, there is something for everyone throughout the three weeks with sprint stages, hilly breakaway days, and challenging days in the mountains with some famous and brutally tough climbs. As a team, we are really motivated after some nice team camps and good recent racing, and we’re excited to pin on our numbers again in Barcelona,” West concludes.

Team DSM-Firmenich for the Vuelta a Espana:

Romain Bardet, Oscar Onley, Max Poole, Alberto Dainese, Romain Combaud, Sean Flynn, Chris Hamilton and Lorenzo Milesi.