Fabio Jakobsen speaks on rumoured DSM move for the first time: "I want to sprint. I don't think that will work at Soudal Quick-Step in the coming years"

Fabio Jakobsen's Tour de France has not been an enjoyable one so far. After his crash on stage 4, the 26-year-old Dutchman has spent the recent days mainly just trying to survive. All the while, in the background, rumours have swirled of a move to Team DSM-Firmenich for next year.

“We said we would go for this Tour, we want success,” said the European champion in a rest-day interview with de Avondetappe, referencing a conversation he held with the boss of Soudal - Quick-Step, Patrick Lefevere.  “At the end of the conversation I got a hug from him. But unfortunately I can't stay. I need to find another place, another team. It is running and it looks good.”

According to reports by Wielerflits, that team has already been found. The Dutch sprinter is believed to be on his way to Team DSM-Firmenich with Jakobsen set to become their main man for the sprints and having a team built around him.

“If I stayed for two years, I would have to share a program with him (Tim Merlier), another top sprinter," Jakobsen adds. "And with Remco. I want to go to the Tour, I want to sprint. I don't think that will work at Soudal Quick-Step in the coming years.”