Canadian company Premier Tech said on Friday it had broken off its sponsorship deal after the team was targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters at several races this year, with stages of the Vuelta a Espana grand tour in August and September disrupted by demonstrators before the race was abandoned by organisers. The sponsors removed their full name from riders' jerseys at the Vuelta.
Professional cycling has made huge strides in becoming a more modern sport over the past 15 years and the XDS Astana team are a prime example of how the simple step of embracing technology can turn a last-placed team into a major player.
After winning that stage in the Alps, Arensman explained that he had been trying to eat between upwards of 120g of carbs per hour, and that was likely the key to his success.