The XdS Astana celebration exploded on the Naples waterfront at the end of the sixth stage of the Giro d'Italia, won by Davide Ballerini. Among the happiest people at the team bus was also Arjen Livyns, one of the most trusted domestiques of the Italian rider, delighted with a victory built through the collective work of the entire Kazakh team.

The Belgian didn't hide his emotion for a win that came in an important city like Naples, in front of the Italian public. «This victory is a great feeling for everyone. It's an incredible start to the Giro for the team. And above all, I imagine that for an Italian to win here in Naples at the Giro is a very special day, so it's a special day for "Ballero" and especially for the whole team».

Livyns, tired but happy after such an intense day, also talked about his role within the team and the pleasure of working for his teammates. A task often done in the shadows, but fundamental in the dynamics of a race like the Giro d'Italia.

«Helping your teammates is always nice. It also gives you many beautiful memories that stay with you, and it's great to be able to help Davide, because he's someone who always lends a hand and helps the whole team. Usually it's him who leads the way and always helps the sprinter. So this victory for him is truly deserved and it rewards him. It's the just reward for everything he does».

For Livyns, Ballerini's success also represents an important boost for team morale ahead of the coming days, especially those that are harder from an altitude perspective.

«When we don't win, but we've helped one of our teammates, we still enjoy the victory and this gives us a bit of morale for the next stages, particularly those in the mountains».

And after the triumph, it was also time to celebrate at Astana. Naples, the home of pizza, gave the team a perfect finale: authentic margherita pizzas arrived at the team bus to celebrate the success.

«We had made a little bet among ourselves. Alberto Bettiol had sent a message to his girlfriend: if we won, she had to bring us pizzas. Apparently she was really convinced that we would win, because she had already ordered them. It was the perfect way to celebrate this victory».