Team dsm-firmenich PostNL fought brilliantly over the hilly parcours, setting up a fast finale into Köln where sprint finisher Casper van Uden delivered the win after some brilliant teamwork.

Starting with the goal of setting up a sprint, Team dsm-firmenich PostNL were alert throughout the day as they took on the rolling hills in the area nearby Köln. Multiple times the race split when the original break was caught, but the team were always represented, with Niklas Märkl marking out dangerous moves. Some strong chasing by Patrick Eddy saw the mid-race attackers caught coming into the city, where Emils Liepiņś took over, positioning Märkl and Van Uden towards the front. Acting as last-man, Märkl initially kept Van Uden’s wheel safe, before coming around him and doing one last pull in sight of the line. Kicking and not looking back, Van Uden opened up at around 200 metres to go with a powerful sprint, catching the competition off guard. Digging deep all the way to the finish, Van Uden was able to celebrate with joy as he crossed the line, winning by over a bike length and rounding out a brilliant Team dsm-firmenich PostNL display thought the race.

Click here for quotes from Van Uden and coaching staff.