| The second week at the Giro d'Italia has once again brought some exciting and intense racing where Team DSM have been well to the fore; choosing our moments to attack, taking three stage podiums and pacing our way through the treacherous terrain to move up the GC.
Stage 12 saw Chris Hamilton achieve his best ever professional result after a heroic day out in the breakaway for us, fighting all the way to the line, showing true grit and determination to finish in second place. Likewise, Nikias Arndt once again showed his race craft and abilities by making the breakaway on stage 15 and securing his second third place at this year's race after a brilliant ride under changeable weather conditions.
It hasn't all been plain sailing though, as Jai Hindley was unfortunately forced to abandon the race for us ahead of stage 14. With Jai's departure the team regrouped, and on the epic stage 16, the GC battle well and truly came alive.
With the whole team riding brilliantly to support Romain Bardet before the famous Passo Giau climb, Bardet showed fantastic climbing legs to summit the climb in third place before using his exceptional descending skills to close the gap to those ahead - getting every possible advantage out of his Scott Addict RC with Shimano disc brakes. Pushing all the way to the finish, Bardet crossed the line for second place on the stage, moving up on GC as a result. Check out Team DSM coach Matt Winston cheering him on in the car as he pushed all the way to the line.
With a great atmosphere in the group on the second rest day, we've been out for a rainy ride in the mountains and are looking forward to taking it easy this afternoon.
Let's see what the final week of racing brings! Whatever happens, we hope you enjoy watching just as much as we love racing it! | 