Tom Dumoulin hits back at critics after World Championships selection
This article originally appeared on Velo News
Tom Dumoulin has hit back at those who have apparently questioned his selection for the time trial at the World Championships later this year.
Dumoulin is set to head to Australia in the autumn to compete in the time trial before heading into retirement at the end of the season.
After claiming a silver medal in the men’s time trial at the Dutch national championships Wednesday, the former Giro d’Italia winner had a few choice words for those who have assumed that his Worlds selection was a parting gift before he hangs up his wheels. The selection for the championships is made by national team coach and former rider Koos Moerenhout.
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“I am really done with that discussion, it even makes me angry,” Dumoulin told AD after finishing behind Bauke Mollema in the men’s time trial.
"I have read that I will receive my selection for the World Championships as a gift. I don’t know if you have seen my results from the past World Championships and the major international time trials? I think there is only one person in the Netherlands who is entitled to that World Cup spot and that is me.”
Dumoulin has two Olympic time trial medals to his name after finishing second behind Fabian Cancellara in 2016 and Primoz Roglic in Tokyo in 2021. The Dutch rider also became the world time trial champion in 2017, beating Roglic and Chris Froome to the rainbow jersey. He was also second in 2018 and third in 2014.
"Why do people doubt that? I win one medal after another at the World Championships and then there are people who dare to start a discussion about it. At the Games, I already proved that it is a non-discussion. It’s just sad,” he added.
"It’s a sore spot, yes. I am very happy with the confidence that Koos gives me, but I also have to push for it. All the people who think I get that place as a gift can sink into the shit."
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