Team DSM riders hugged Alberto Dainese as they crossed the finish line in Reggio Emilia.

As each rider rode through the chaotic finish area of stage 11 of the Giro d'Italia, they sought out the 24-year-old Italian and happily celebrated together in a show of team solidarity.

Team DSM rode to protect Romain Bardet's overall hopes on the flat section of the Via Emilia, wary of an attack at the echelon when a strong tailwind turned crosswind near Bologna. When Cies Bol revealed he was struggling, Dainese rallied and the rest of the team set him up for a sprint. Bardet also played his part in the last kilometer.

"We share the same pain, so when a teammate wins, it makes us all happy," Dainese explained.

"Romain always believed in me, even if I didn't. It's special to see him happy for me. It was a wonderful moment to celebrate with him. I may not have a big party tonight, but I will definitely drink the prosecco I won today."

Nico Denz protected his teammate for most of the 203-km stage under the hot Italian summer sun, finishing slightly behind the peloton The 28-year-old German was as happy as if he had won the race, and he was the only one who could have done so.

"We always believed in him and it's a well-deserved result for us and for him," Denz said. It's pure joy."

"There is a really good team spirit in the Giro, we have Romain Bardet going for GC, but he leads out for the sprinters. Everyone works for everyone else and there is a great atmosphere in the team."

Team DSM is often criticized by former athletes for its working methods, strict protocols and internal rules. Marcel Kittel, Tom Dumoulin, Warren Barguil, Michael Matthews, and Marc Hirsch are just a few of the players who have parted ways with the team mid-contract.

The Dutch team is coached by Ivan Spekenbrink, who continues to have their way. Englishman Matt Winston (Directeur Sportif) is fully committed and is leading the team in the Giro d'Italia. They have always been open to criticism and questions.

"This is how we shut down criticism," Dentz said proudly, and continued the celebration as Dainese, who became the first Italian rider to win a stage at the 2022 Corsa Rosa, nearly burst into tears on the podium as he headed to the Team DSM bus.

"It feels great to have a plan and accomplish it every day," Dainese said. 'The whole team had the same ambition. We know how fast Alberto is and we have no problems."

"In the Vuelta (España 2021), Alberto had eight top-10 finishes, but he didn't get the win. I think it was very hard for Alberto. But this big win will come and now he has the confidence in his head that he can do it.