Giro d'Italia | Team DSM take well-rounded team to Italy, eyeing sprints but also the GC with Romain Bardet

Team DSM have had a complicated season so far, however they are being led by Romain Bardet and Thymen Arensman who have been on a very constant and promising lead-up to their first Grand Tour of the season - the Giro d'Italia.

Team DS Matt Winston has talked in antecipation of the race about the ambitions the Dutch team has at the start: “We’re looking forward to another Giro d’Italia and we go to the race with a well-balanced team where we can cover all bases. Our main focus will be on the GC with Romain as our finisher, and we have guys in great condition to support that goal. Team camps, high altitude training and solid racing preparation bring together a strong, motivated, and committed team."

The duo of Bardet and Arensman have been racing together this season, and have been successful as they have raided the recent Tour of the Alps on the final rainy day. Whilst Bardet won the overall classification, Arensman managed to get himself up to third place whilst on a supporting role.

The team not only carry ambitions in the mountains, but also for the flat stages where both their sprinters - Cee Bold and Alberto Dainese will come in search of a win. Both have struggled this year, and haven't been able to give continuation to the potential they have shown in the last few years. "Next to that, we will go for the sprints with Alberto and Cees, who together have some serious firepower that we’ll be looking to build on in the race," he said. Nico Denz should be crucial in support of the duo heading into the sprints.

Furthermore Bardet will count on the support of Chris Hamilton in the mountains, Martijn Tusveld and training partner Romain Combaud.

"We are fully focused and ready to fight from the opening day, where we can already expect some exciting and interesting action in the peloton. Morale amongst the team is good and we’re all super motivated to give our best and showcase our Team DSM jersey in Italy and bring home some top results," Winston concluded.

Team DSM for Giro d'Italia: Romain Bardet, Thymen Arensman, Cees Bol, Romain Combaud, Alberto Dainese, Nico Denz, Chris Hamilton and Martijn Tusveld.