Intermarché-Circus-Wanty team manager Aike Visbeek has revealed that there is a spot reserved for the recently retired Tom Dumoulin behind the scenes at the team whenever the Dutchman is ready and willing to take it.
“At the moment there are other things that Tom has to deal with," Visbeek admits. Indeed Dumoulin has not been short on offers since announcing his retirement, with NOS and Eurosport among those to offer the former Giro d'Italia winner a job as an on-screen analyst.
Visbeek, who has recently had dinner with Dumoulin believes he may one day wish to return to a more hands-on role with a cycling team. "He must first find a good balance for himself and then calmly consider what he wants to do. Tom knows that there are several opportunities to work in cycling,” Visbeek says. "He has a lot of knowledge in terms of time trial and everything that goes with it."
If Dumoulin were to want a behind-the-scenes role at a team, Intermarche will be front and centre of his mind according to Vierbeek. “It has not escaped his notice that we also have that option. But let him take his time for that.” he says. "It is very valuable to us if he can work with us. That will be more than a coach and specialist in that field.”