"The door absolutely remains open" for Tom Dumoulin at Intermarché, however for management role

Intermarché - Wanty - Gobert Matériaux have taken massive steps in 2022. Over all terrains the team has overperformed in comparison to expectations, and team manager Aike Visbeek has talked how Mark Cavendish could have joined the team, and how they are still in contact with Tom DUmoulin.

“I’m still in contact with Tom and that’s normal because we know each other well. For now, he’s taking the time to figure out what he wants to do," Visbeek told Velonews. "He knows that we’re interested in his knowledge but first he is taking his time to zone out and see what he wants to do with his life. That’s where the situation is for now. He needs to make his own decisions first."

After Dumoulin retired a few months ago, it was immediately rumoured that he could join the Belgian team, likely with a role to mentor young riders or help with the performance team. A deal hasn't - and is unlikely for the time being - to happen, however Visbeek has admitted that he remains in contact with the Dutchman.

“I think it would be a good fit but he would be a good fit for a lot of teams. If I look at my organization the people really want to do this job, they really burn with a passion and burst with energy. You want to see that with Tom if he considers coaching or is part of a team," he added.

“Obviously, he’s coming out of an intense season and, first of all, he needs to land and regain his energy. He’s not there yet. That’s the main thing that you want to look at when you talk to him," Visbeek continued. With a lot of experience at the very top of pro cycling, the role of figures such as Dumoulin has been increasingly important within teams, specially as they look to hire younger and younger riders into their ranks.

Hence, the possibility of Dumoulin joining Intermarché remains quite open. "You want to see that the fire is burning. He likes cycling, and it has brought him a lot, but he’s been living an intense life. So it’s important that he gets some distance. The door absolutely remains open," Visbeek said.

He's also talked about the possibility of Cavendish having joined the team last transfer period. “To be honest when Cavendish was on the market with us we were still very much busy with Kristoff. So by the time Alex decided he would move then Cavendish was no longer on the market, and we moved on to signing other riders." However, Intermarché has endured a strong season with Alexander Kristoff, Biniam Girmay and Gerben Thijssen all taking World Tour wins in 2023. The Norwegian will move onto a different team, but Intermarché remain keen on working with a large group of sprinters and their leadouts. 

“We’ve been looking at bringing on a new sprinter. We talked with Merlier but not so much has happened. Cavendish was on the market and there were opportunities but we chose to bring on Arne Marit, and focus on Biniam Girmay and Madis Mihkels, who is also coming over to the team," he said.

The Belgian team is remaining their focus on the domestic calendar, in which they thrive with such a depth of fast men. With an incredibly young entourage aswell, Intermarché are looking good for the future. "It’s a young group of sprinters but to answer your question we were looking but we couldn’t bring on the big name,” Visbeek concluded.