From Pedersen to Nys and compatriots: This is how the cycling world reacted to Daan Hoole’s Giro victory

Hoole set the fastest time on course and took his place in the hot seat, when his phone already started buzzing. Jonathan Milan and Simone Consonni were calling in from Sierra Nevada, where Lidl-Trek’s entire Tour de France squad is currently at altitude camp. While Joshua Tarling (INEOS Grenadiers) failed to match the Dutchman’s time, Hoole proudly showed his Italian teammates to the TV.

More quick congratulations followed from that side. “DAAAAAAAAAAAN,” wrote Thibau Nys on Instagram. A similar message came from Edward Theuns, while sports director Steven de Jongh added, “This guy really deserves this.” Jasper Stuyven chimed in too: “So happy for one of the guys who truly deserves it!”

There was plenty of joy in Italy as well. Team leader Mads Pedersen shared a brief reaction after the stage. “We can’t complain,” said the Dane with a touch of understatement. “Tall Daan deserves this, and it’s so great to see him win. He always works so hard. Seeing him this happy makes me happy too. What a day, what a performance, what a grand tour.”

“Am I surprised? Joshua Tarling is a huge talent and one of the best in the world, but so is Daan,” Pedersen said. “Daantje has now stepped onto the big stage. How are we going to celebrate? I don’t know yet, but he deserves a shower, some champagne, and then we’ll see.”

Within the Dutch national teams for the World and European Championships, Hoole has long been known as a loyal domestique. National coach Koos Moerenhout was quick to congratulate him on X. “A fantastic victory and incredibly well deserved.” Thymen Arensman, also racing the Giro d’Italia for INEOS Grenadiers, posted a heartfelt “Congrats Daan!” on social media.