Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin) has confirmed that he will target the general classification at a Grand Tour in 2017. The Olympic silver medallist shelved plans to do so this year as he concentrated on Rio, but with the Games now behind him he will begin the next phase of his career as a three-week specialist.
The Giant-Alpecin leader laid out his plans for 2017 in an exclusive interview with Cyclingnews at the Tour of Britain. It is not yet known which of the three Grand Tours he will target, with the rider and his team set to make the final decision later this year when all three routes have been announced.
"I’m targeting a Grand Tour next year. I don’t know which one, probably the one with the most time trial kilometres,” Dumoulin said with a broad smile as he sat down with Cyclingnews in Glasgow.
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“Or the team might have another idea but we’ll have to see and look at the courses and then decide. Maybe it won’t be the one with the most time trial kilometres but we’re going to choose one that suits me the best. I’m going to target GC.”
The 25-year-old burst onto the Grand Tour scene at the 2015 Vuelta a Espana. He won two stages and led the race until the decisive final day in the mountains. He came unstuck there and lost the race to Fabio Aru, eventually finishing 6th overall in Madrid. Despite dropping down the standings, it was a breakthrough period in Dumoulin’s career.
In order to make the grade as a genuine three-week contender Dumoulin admits that his preparation and approach to training must be modified. More time at altitude must be carried out and nutrition will take higher priority over the coming season.
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
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