Superb Team dsm-firmenich PostNL ride as Romain Bardet 2nd atop Bocca della Selva

Team dsm-firmenich PostNL got the second week of racing underway at the Giro d’Italia with a brilliant ride, supporting Romain Bardet who took second place atop the Bocca della Selva climb.
Leaving from the historical site of Pompei, the opening hour of racing was as explosive as the famous nearby dormant volcano, with multiple attacks in the peloton. Team dsm-firmenich PostNL set out with the goal to be represented in the move and after some brilliant teamwork they got Chris Hamilton, Kevin Vermaerke and Romain Bardet into the large group after 60 kilometres of action. Through a combination of Hamilton and Vermaerke setting a good tempo, and the peloton eventually backing off, it was clear those out front would fight for the stage win.
Hamilton and Vermaerke kept Bardet safe and fresh as they progressed to the Intergiro sprint point which was on a climb. Wary of the potential danger Bardet followed some attacks and over the top found himself in a counter-move of four behind new lone leader Tratnik as they headed towards the final ascent; while behind Vermaerke and Hamilton covered the chasing group. Tratnik had built up a lead of roughly one minute which meant Bardet and his breakaway companions had to increase the pace and with around eight kilometres to go Bardet and Paret-Peintre formed a chasing duo. Eating into the gap slowly over the next few kilometres, Paret-Peintre would eventually make his stage winning move with three kilometres remaining, putting in a stinging attack. Bardet dug deep and tried to follow, but had to ride his own tempo to the line, eventually taking a very strong second place and moving back up to seventh on GC with it; after a brilliant Team dsm-firmenich PostNL performance.
Bardet expressed: “It was nice to be out front today with the guys. It was really good to be in such a strong break with Chris and Kevin, after a strong ride from the others boys towards the first climb where the move was made. Chris and Kevin rode really well to keep the move going and support me. Even if it wasn’t my best legs on the bike in the end, I tried my luck and gave my best. We will keep trying for more in the rest of the race.”
Team dsm-firmenich PostNL coach Matt Winston added: “We had a good meeting this morning where we said when it goes at that point and on a hard moment then we definitely should be in there. It was some great teamwork from everyone to then have three guys in the move. Kevin and Chris worked selflessly for Romain today. In the closing few kilometres Romain just didn’t have the final edge to take the stage win, but we took back some spots on the GC so an all round good day for us as we continue to build into the race.”