Tom Dumoulin ashamed of Chris Froome's late career: "It seems like he keeps cycling out of habit and is afraid to stop"
CyclingThursday, 22 May 2025 at 17:33
Chris Froome was undeniably the most accomplished GC rider of the past decade with four Tour de France titles and a total of seven Grand Tour victories. However since his crash during recon of the 2019 Critérium du Dauphiné time trial, the Brit has been merely a shadow of his former self.
"I personally think it’s a shame that he keeps racing," his former rival Tom Dumoulin said in De Grote Plaat podcast, when asked how he views the still active Froome now. "I want him to have his fun. If he still enjoys it, who am I to take away his fun. But I can’t help but get the impression that he doesn’t really enjoy it anymore. It seems like he keeps cycling out of habit and is afraid to stop."
The two have faced off in multiple occasions, most notably in the 2018 season where the Briton rode to a shocking Giro d'Italia victory (in the final week) after two weeks of struggling; whilst in the Tour de France both finished on the podium behind Froome's teammate Geraint Thomas.
Ever since the 2019 fall however the 40-year old never reached the same level, but managed to keep himself in the peloton after signing a long-term contract with Israel - Premier Tech with whom he still races with to this day. At the time being, his contract does end in 2025, but he hasn't shown intention of retiring yet.
"Of course he still earns a lot. But then I think: man, does he need that? He's earned millions a year for almost ten years. I don't know how many houses you need to live in? The fact that he's riding around at this level now takes the shine off it for me. Actually, that's been the case since his fall in 2019. He's never been at his level again."
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Froome was, in my book, the greatest Grand Tour rider ever. Better than Armstrong, better than Induarain. It all ends in a second for these guys. I remember that whenever people complain about Pogacar, and I am grateful.
Better than Merckx, Hinault or Anquetil? Are you serious, lol?
He was just around at the right time, no serious rivals. Contador was fading, Pog and Vin were kids, Rogliç had only just started cycling, etc.
Suggest you change your medication, totally delusional. Have to agree with ScottG.
Can you share the table of contents page from "your book"? I'm curious to see what it looks like.
What has it to do with us. It's between him and his employer. The crap about him having plenty money is irrelevant.
Don’t think so, same story all over the world. The only way the wrong peop’e get too much money is if it’s not left for others, often more deserving. Eternal paradox of capitalism, screw and squeeze workers/consumers/the poor/weak to enrich those who least need it.
I don't mind seeing Froome in the peloton, but he's a multimillionaire, he shouldn't take money that could give a few young guys, maybe more, a spot on a pro team. If he wants to ride it should be for no salary or much less. I say this without really knowing what he is making now but I assume it's decent amount.
No change to his contract so yes, plenty. Should be ashamed of himself considering the route Cavendish took (or had to take) to prove himself again.
Think how strong the team could be without Froome consuming all that money with nil to show for it. Sad. Selfish on his part tbh
Tom Dumoulin said out loud what many people were already thinking.
CF rides well but is well and truly 'former of himself...
Well/? He rides like a stagiare at this point.
Dudes just salty he can't get a multi mil contract to keep racing. Froomes value to the team isn't actually on the bike. Thats been said so many times if follow IPT (and not only when suits to hate on Israel) because he helps the young riders so much and if you actually watch him race, he gives it a lot for his team. He's become a good domestique.
Tom retired instead of signing another contract. Visma offered him a contract renewal, he decided to retire which shocked everyone because he is such a strong cyclist.
Probably a demand from home to try to save a dying relationship, he had his priorities right but it wasn’t enough.
I dont have a problem with his riding only for the 5 million. What i have a problem with him lying all the time about the shape he is in.
It's always the bike or the disc brakes, lol
Same thing I was thinking, he's been telling everyone all along how he's going to be back at his best in two weeks, but nothing to show.
I kind of agree with Tom.... he had his time, now he just looks bad. Never been a fan but his choice to do what he wants.
He’s also taking the place and money of many more deserving (and just as useful) riders (who’d significantly reduce costs). Only thing CF does for IPT is help them stay relevant for discussion because there’s no such thing as bad publicity if you don’t have a reputation to consider.
I don't really value the opinion of this nutcase. Go Froomey do whatever you want to do.
That's outright negativity
You're so wrong ! Froome needs to go away!
He actually said it with gloves on