We went behind the scenes with Team DSM on Stage One of the Tour of Britain 2021. Watch the video above to hear first hand from riders Nils Eekhoff and Mark Donovan, plus find out how Team DSM's mechanics use Weldtite products to optimise riders bikes before each stage.
Team DSM's Race Report:
The Tour of Britain got underway with a challenging 180 kilometre route from Penzance to Bodmin, and a climb to the line. Despite only three categorised ascents, the heavy nature of the roads and rolling terrain would add up to over 2500 metres of altitude gain and make for a tough day out. It was a controlled start to the day however, with a five rider group escaping and all Team DSM riders in the bunch, focusing on saving energy and staying safe for later in the day. Coming into the last 20 kilometres the breakaway were caught over the rolling terrain and the team did a good job to bring finisher Nils Eekhoff into position for the punchy finale. With other teams stringing out the bunch and setting a high pace, Eekhoff fought all the way to the line, digging deep and taking a strong second place.
“It was a tough course today, up and down all day,” explained Eekhoff. “It was quite tricky also with a lot of corners and everything. In the beginning of the race we were involved in a crash with four guys, but luckily we could come back quite easily. Then it was controlled and we sat well together, close to the front. We had a good plan in the beginning and executed it well. We waited for our moment to make the move towards the front in the real final, which the guys did really well. They delivered me in a perfect position at the front and I was able to sprint. It was actually a really tough finish and was steeper than I expected but these finishes suit me really well and I’m happy to finish second. I’m looking forward to the next days with the boys where we’ll aim for more. I’m really satisfied with the teamwork.”
Team DSM coach Phil West added: “It was a really nice performance from the guys today, and a great finish by Nils. It really was a great team effort. The guys were super motivated to do a finish for Nils. We were really tight around him all day, taking the wind and holding good position at the key moments. I think everyone can see the effort that they put in and I’m super happy with the communication and they way they all committed to the role. It’s a good start for us and we’re looking forward to trying the same again over the next seven days.
Source: www.team-dsm.com/tob-s1/
