The first performance of Roompot Orange Peloton in the major stage race in their home country can (almost) be regarded as completely successful. With Jesper Asselman two days in the leader's jersey, the team was in the spotlight in the Eneco Tour. In the tough final weekend, the team paid for the effort in the first part of the week, but succeeded to end the UCI World Tour race through the Netherlands and Belgium on a solid note.

The intentions of team leaders of Michael Boogerd and Jean-Paul van Poppel was immediately evident in the opening stage in Friesland. Jesper Asselman was in the break of the day and scored seconds in the prints. With 10th place for Dylan Groenewegen and first place in the team classifications, the start of the most important stage race was good.

Tuesday's stage started with a first in the pro peloton; Berden de Vries and Tim Kerkhof had their bikes equipped with new SRAM Red brakes. The use of disc brakes attracted the interest of the international media and gave positive comments from users. In the stage, Jesper Asselman started a beautiful adventure with Gijs van Hoecke. Again he scored important seconds which was enough to become a proud leader of the general classification.

"This is unbelievable, exactly one year after the introduction of the team at the Eneco Tour" commented the 25-year-old neo-pro. "Obviously we are going to defend the jersey, but mostly enjoy this success which the whole team really needed." 

With seven orange and one white jersey on the front of the peloton, Roompot Orange Peloton took responsibility. In the bunch sprint won by Tom Boonen, Dylan Groenewegen took a fine 5th place and Asselman stayed one second ahead of the experienced Belgian stage winner.

The native of Arnhem was the last to start the time trial around Hoogerheide.

"This has been wonderful to experience for a few days," said Asselman. "The enthusiasm of the fans is amazing. I have never heard so many people call my name."

Unfortunately, the former rider of Metec-TKH failed to maintain his lead. Jos van Emden won the time trial and took the white jersey.

With the introduction of a new communications partner Ordina, the team also made a scoop for Friday's stage. Thanks to a specially developed application, the team leaders could follow the heart rate, cadence and power output (wattage) of the the riders. In the stage to Sittard, only Tim Kerkhof (32th) and Huub Duijn (25th) could compete with the best.

Unfortunately, the Ardennes specialist Duijn was plagued by physical problems for his targeted stage on Saturday and the rest of the team did not play a significant role on the way to Houffalize.

Without the sick Duijn, the orange riders started the stage to Geraardsbergen and were again in the mix. Tim Kerkhof and Dylan Groenewegen were part of the leading group and Johnny Hoogerland made a counterattack. The lastter was in 41st place the highest placed in the stage.