Fresh off a stunning sprint win on stage five at the Vuelta a España, Team dsm-firmenich PostNL are thrilled to announce Pavel Bittner’s contract extension. Bittner will continue to wear the two-striped jersey through the 2026 campaign.
After a strong junior career, Bittner joined Team dsm-firmenich PostNL’s Development programme in 2021. He quickly found his feet at the U23 level, proving to be a reliable and hardworking teammate. Mid-2022 saw him advance to the WorldTour with the Men’s programme. His first year involved learning from more experienced riders, but Bittner still managed admirable results in races such as the Tour de Suisse and the CRO Race.
Breakthrough Performances
In 2024, Bittner has continued to rise, often riding as early support or lead-out rider for his teammates. However, he has also shone as the team’s finisher. After several near misses earlier in the year, his breakthrough came at the Vuelta a Burgos, where he won the opening stage and then secured another victory to round out the race.
Currently participating in his first Grand Tour, Bittner came close in the opening sprints but knew more was possible. This potential was realised on stage five with a long sprint leading to a photo finish win, marking a memorable moment for him and the team.
Bittner reflected on his journey: “I believe there is still a lot to learn together with the team. We’ve made a lot of progress since 2021, and now it feels like home here. I’ve made really good progress, thanks to everyone around me. Although it sometimes took longer than I wished, it was worth trusting the process. I really enjoy the friendly atmosphere; it’s always fun with my teammates and the staff. I try my best to be supportive on and off the bike. One day, I might be a captain myself, but that will take time and learning from our experienced guys. I’m not sure what the future holds, but if we all give our best, we can’t lose. We have a lot of talented and strong guys, so if we work together, we can achieve anything.”
Team’s Perspective
Team dsm-firmenich PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna added: “Pavel has really impressed us since he joined in 2021. He’s not only strong on the bike but also brings a positive atmosphere with his energy. He’s always open to new ideas and learning, and he’s great at helping those around him. On the bike, he’s made significant strides each season, moving from the Development programme to the Men’s programme. This year, with a solid foundation laid through his hard work, we’re seeing him achieve top results, with his sprint wins in Burgos and the Vuelta being particularly special. Everyone at the team has enjoyed working with Pavel, and we’re excited to continue with him for the next few years, pushing each other to be better.”
Main photo credit: Cor Vos
