Tom Dumoulin "happy about" decision to retire and move on to a different side of the sport

Tom Dumoulin has retired from pro cycling recently, and in his first months away from the peloton, he's actually been travelling and has been in quite close proximity to it. In a recent interview however, he talks of his current feelings regarding his decision.

“There are 101 reasons, but also because of injuries and hassle I didn't reach the level I wanted. That starts to gnaw at yourself and a little bit at the people who work with you every day. It was years of doubt. That was part of that," Dumoulin told NOS. The Dutchman announced his retirement earlier this year, and a month ago he revealed that he would do it with immediate effect, dropping his initial plan of riding the World Championships with a goal.

The decision to hang up his wheels isn't one he regretted: “I think it's been nice. I have changed, as a person. I feel like doing something different. There's nothing wrong with that, is there? I am happy and happy about that,” he said “I think I want to do something in cycling and cycling. I don't know what that will be. Because I also feel that I will make the best decision when I have taken two steps back.”

He's been hinted as a possible addition to Intermarché - Wanty - Gobert Matériaux's performance team, however with no certain path yet drawn in front of him. He's travelled to Australia this week to watch the World Championships in first person, and is out and around the pro cycling bubble nevertheless. 

“But I was a pro for eleven years. I've been one of the best in the world. I have won a Grand Tour, been a world champion… I want to look at it from a positive perspective, but for that proud feeling – there is also that – I first have to take a few steps back," he concluded.