"Two years ago we regretted that we had given up sprints" - Team DSM-Firmenich return to their roots with the arrival of Fabio Jakobsen

Having spent the last few season developing from sprint team to general classification challengers, 2024 marks the beginning of Team DSM-Firmenich going back to their roots, as seen by the arrival of Fabio Jakobsen and a new leadout train.

"We grew up with sprinters like Marcel Kittel and John Degenkolb, when we were really a sprint team. That brought us a lot," sports director Roy Curvers tells In de Leiderstrui, recapping the teams different goals over it's various incarnations over the years, (Skil/Shimano/Argos/Giant/Alpecin/Sunweb). "After that we focused more on the classification work with guys like Warren Barguil, Tom Dumoulin and Wilco Kelderman. We fully committed to that."

And they were successful in their general classification ambitions too. Dumoilin winning the Giro d'Italia and finishing runner-up at the Tour de France. But now, there is a sense within the team that a return to sprinting could be best for business.

"Two years ago we regretted that we had given up sprints or had less focus on them. If you have a top sprinter with a good sprint train, you can actually participate all year round," Curvers explains. "There is a sprint in every race, so you can generate publicity with it all year round. That is actually the reason, although it is also true that we know from the past that we can do well and can profile ourselves in that way."

So why Fabio Jakobsen? "I think it's just a very good match. Then I am talking about Fabio's drive and his way of working, but also his direct approach," answers Curvers. "That suits us very much. Of course he brings his performances, but we are especially happy that he brings his personality."