On Sunday, April 20, 2025, cycling fans witnessed the start of the Ardennes Classics with the Amstel Gold Race, a prestigious event that draws competitors from around the globe. Among those reflecting on the race's significance is former Giro d'Italia champion Tom Dumoulin, who recently opened up about his career and retirement during an interview with cycling commentator José De Cauwer. Dumoulin, who describes the Amstel Gold Race as his 'home race,' shared poignant memories from his youth watching the event in Limburg.
"I grew up in Maastricht in an ordinary family that had nothing to do with cycling," Dumoulin reminisced. "But once a year, we would go and watch the Amstel, which, at the time, was still finished on the Maasboulevard. I remember it like it was yesterday: Michael Boogerd and Lance Armstrong on the Kennedy Bridge, with the helicopter above them. That really made an impression on me." This early exposure to cycling ignited Dumoulin's passion for the sport, ultimately leading him to a successful career.
Turning professional in 2012, Dumoulin raced with Team Sunweb until 2019, achieving remarkable feats including a Giro d'Italia victory, a podium finish at the Tour de France, and a Time-Trial World title. However, he admitted that the latter years of his career were marred by dissatisfaction. "I just couldn't do it anymore. I wasn't getting any satisfaction out of it. I was just a performer. The dietitian told me what to eat. The trainer told me how to train and where to race. Without asking, how do you feel about that, or how do you feel about it? That's where I got stuck," he explained.
Dumoulin's sentiment echoes a broader concern within the cycling community regarding the increasing demands placed on professional riders. He believes that the best athletes, such as Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel, find a balance between data-driven training and personal instinct. "The best riders today are indeed those who find that balance best. Pogacar and Van der Poel joined a team at a young age and were encouraged to listen to their instincts. Mathieu still has a considerable amount of autonomy," Dumoulin stated.
His observations suggest a critique of his former team, Visma | Lease a Bike, which he feels may have lost sight of this balance due to their data-centric approach. "With their data-driven approach, they have achieved huge success for several years. That approach certainly works for some riders. It is challenging for Visma to find the right balance between data, science, and human coaching," he remarked.
As Dumoulin reflects on his career, he acknowledges the joy he found in his early professional years, particularly during his first Tour de France with Argos-Shimano, where he played a pivotal role in winning four stages alongside Marcel Kittel. "In those early years, everyone gave me pieces of the puzzle, my trainer and the dietitian. I threw myself into it with full enthusiasm. I can now say that was the most enjoyable and best time of my career," he recalled.
Despite retiring in mid-2022, Dumoulin remains connected to the sport, now serving as an analyst for NOS. However, he has not ruled out a return to cycling in a different capacity, potentially in a role focused on mental coaching for riders. "A few years ago, I would have said no. At the time, the idea was to go back to studying. But now, I would find it a missed opportunity not to pass on my experience," he said.
As the Amstel Gold Race unfolds, the cycling world also mourns the loss of British cycling legend Barry Hoban, who passed away at the age of 85. Hoban, known for his pioneering contributions to British road racing, leaves behind a legacy that includes eight stage wins at the Tour de France and a memorable victory at Gent-Wevelgem in 1974, where he famously beat Eddy Merckx.
The Amstel Gold Race this year saw fierce competition as riders battled through the rolling hills of Limburg. In the women's race, Mischa Bredewold and Ellen van Dijk broke away in the final kilometers, with Bredewold clinching victory after a strong climb up the Cauberg. Van Dijk finished second, while Puck Pieterse secured third place.
Meanwhile, the men's race featured an intense showdown as Tadej Pogačar attacked with 42 kilometers to go, only to be caught by Remco Evenepoel and Mattias Skjelmose in a thrilling finish. Skjelmose emerged victorious, marking a significant win in his career.
As the cycling season continues, Dumoulin's insights into the sport's evolution and the challenges faced by modern riders resonate deeply, reminding fans and competitors alike of the importance of balance in achieving success. With the Ardennes Classics now underway, the excitement builds for what the rest of the season has in store.
