The Dutch world-class cyclist Tom Dumoulin has announced that he will end his career after the current season.
"I've decided that 2022 will be my last year as a professional cyclist," the 31-year-old announced on his Instagram account.
Dumoulin had his most successful year in 2017, when he won the Giro d'Italia as well as the gold medal in the individual and team time trial at the World Championships in Bergen, Norway. At last year's Olympic Games in Tokyo, the Dutchman won the silver medal in the individual race against the clock.
By 2020, he was already feeling overtrained and burnt out. "I was just a shadow of my former self," wrote Dumoulin. Nevertheless, he decided to stay in the saddle. He described the silver medal in Tokyo as an absolute highlight that he was proud of. However, this year has been frustrating. As soon as the intensity in training and racing increased, he suffered from "fatigue, pain and injuries".
Dumoulin now wants to make the most of the last few months of his career. He is particularly looking forward to the World Championships from 18 to 25 September in Wollongong, Australia. "Cycling has sometimes demanded my blood, sweat and tears, but for the most part it has been wonderful and I wouldn't miss it for the world," wrote the Dutchman.
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