Tom Dumoulin then gets off in the Vuelta a España. The Dutchman from Jumbo-Visma participated in the Spanish stage race for a week, but was tired and worn out after a short and intensive season. He finished seventh in the Tour de France, but barely progressed in the Vuelta.
‘Both our coaching staff and I think it is the best choice to leave’, Dumoulin said in a press release. ‘At the start of the Vuelta I already felt tired and that feeling remained. It makes no sense for me to continue, because then I might mortgage next season. It is a shame to leave the Vuelta, but it is the right choice. We can all agree on that. With Primoz we are in a good position in the rankings. Hopefully the team can take the winnings home. ‘
Sporting director Merijn Zeeman was previously strict for Dumoulin this Vuelta, who already hinted that he was thinking of getting off. Zeeman then said that Dumoulin had to continue, provided he was not ill. Now he is still losing the Dutchman. ‘It’s a shame Tom is going home. Every day we monitored his fatigue, but it kept increasing. Despite this, he has played an important part in the team and did a good job. Although his short participation in the Vuelta has been a good investment for 2021, we now see that we are encountering limits and we take the responsibility that goes with it. ‘ (photo: Sirotti)
