As the 2024 cycling season approaches, Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL has gathered in Calpe, Spain, uniting its Women, Men, and Development programmes to finalise preparations for an ambitious year ahead. The team introduced its new visual identity, featuring the iconic Keep Challenging stripes now in a vibrant orange, symbolising a dynamic future for the team.
The team has grown stronger with the addition of PostNL, the leading parcel and postal company in the Netherlands, as a co-title partner alongside DSM-Firmenich. This partnership with two prestigious companies signifies a promising and secure future for the team.
Head coach Rudi Kemna expressed enthusiasm about the team’s prospects across all three programmes in 2024, citing solid team camps and a cohesive team spirit as indicators of a potentially strong year. Narelle Neumann, the team’s head of science, highlighted the advancements in training models, nutritional plans, and equipment, anticipating a successful season.
The Women’s program aims to build on its impressive 2023 campaign, with a focus on classics, sprints, and General Classification (GC). Special attention will be on the Tour de France Femmes Grand Depart in the Netherlands, with Charlotte Kool targeting sprint success and Juliette Labous aiming for GC achievements. The team also has high aspirations for the Giro Donne and Vuelta a España.
For the Men’s programme, the Giro d’Italia presents an opportunity to animate the race and pursue GC battles with a tactical approach. Romain Bardet, Max Poole, Chris Hamilton, and Matt Dinham are set to lead the team, with Fabio Jakobsen spearheading their sprint ambitions. The Tour de France will focus on stage results, leveraging the strengths of Bardet, Warren Barguil, and Jakobsen, while the Vuelta will concentrate on overall development.
The Development programme continues its mission of nurturing young talents and guiding them to the WorldTour, with 21 athletes already promoted. Kemna stressed the importance of holistic development for these young riders.
Photo Credit: Eltoromediadotcom
The team’s refreshed look includes SCOTT bikes adorned with a new design featuring white and colourful details, complemented by striking orange DRIIVE race eyewear. Volvo cars, essential to the team’s convoy, will also sport the new white, orange, and blue design.
Sustainability, health, and inclusivity remain central themes for the team. Initiatives include ambassadorship for Trees for All and testing electric Volvo cars. The team’s commitment to ethics is evident through its MPCC membership and independent anti-doping programme conducted by the Dutch Doping Authority.
The collaboration with PostNL aligns with the team’s sustainability goals, reflecting a shared responsibility for societal impact. PostNL CEO Herna Verhagen and DSM-Firmenich CEO Dimitri de Vreeze have expressed their excitement about the partnership, highlighting the alignment in values and commitment to success.
Team DSM-Firmenich CEO Iwan Spekenbrink sees the partnership with PostNL as foundational for the team’s sporting growth. The team will ride on SCOTT Foil RC and Scott Plasma RC TT frames, equipped with Shimano Dura Ace R9270 groupsets, various Shimano wheel options, and Shimano R903 shoes. The riders will wear customised Nalini clothing, Syncros saddles, and handlebars/seatposts, and use Vittoria tyres. Wahoo Elemnt Bold computers and Wahoo Rival watches will track their performance, while Elite Suito & Justo trainers, bottle cages, and bottles, along with Lezyne lights, complete their setup.
