The surprise of the Olympic time trial was Tom Dumoulin. Stopped at the beginning of this year due to mental issues and now silver in Tokyo. Decided to return, especially for the day. “I will continue,” said the 30-year-old Dutchman.
When it became clear that he just had to put up with fellow Jumbo-Visma Primoz Roglic, tears came to Tom Dumoulin. The Dutchman gave in to the pressures and expectations of the winter and parked the bike. Forever or for a while? It was not clear, but according to the Olympics, training began again. And he earned the confidence of national coach Cos Morinhout. Silver, just as at Rio 2016 (then behind Fabian Cancellara), as a result. “But this one is a gold medal,” he told NOS. “I’m proud and happy. The goal was to get a medal, but for the past few months I didn’t know if that was possible. I also tried to question it as little as possible. I wanted to enjoy the process here. And it actually worked out really well.” I had a really great few months preparing. Finishing it like that is great. I rode on a very strong first lap, which I had real strength in. Then I felt the energy drain slowly. Especially on this climb after a three quarter time trial. Usually ‘When I’m really good, on prime days, that’s my business. Now I’ve noticed I don’t have that power anymore. But it doesn’t matter. I have silver.’
Dumoulin rediscovered the joy of cycling. “I really like it that way. Cycling is still a great sport for me. I will continue to ride bikes. That is what I have decided in recent weeks.”
With Jumbo-Visma, he still has to make a concrete split for his program, but he’s not driving the Vuelta. “But most likely I will participate in the World Cup.”
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