Tom Dumoulin almost didn't get to the Volta a Catalunya because of French strikes
Several riders a stuck in airports all day Sunday because of air traffic control strikes in France, meaning they almost didn't make it to the Volta a Catalunya
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

For what seems like the billionth time in the last 12 months, the French air traffic controllers are on strike. With the ensuing 'travel chaos', several riders almost didn't make it to the start of the Volta a Catalunya on time.
Some general classification leaders were held up in airports across Europe as delays hit many airlines as they tried to get their passengers to Barcelona.
Giant-Alpecin's Tom Dumoulin was one of the riders who had a lengthy stay in the airport. Having recovered from the flu in time to race in Catalunya, he faced not even getting to the start line.
LottoNL-Jumbo's Steven Kruijswijk was another rider holed up in an airport all afternoon, as were Gianni Meersman (Etixx-QuickStep) and Sander Armee (Lotto-Soudal).
The Volta a Catalunya runs from Monday to Sunday, with the mountainous parcours and summit finishes on stages three and four attracting an all-star line-up.
Chris Froome, Alberto Contador, Fabio Aru and Nairo Quintana are just four of the big name riders looking for a strong result in the Catalan mountains ahead of their Tour de France bids.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
-
History made: five talking points from the Tour de France Femmes
Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift: Our key takeaways from the women’s Tour de France revival
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
‘If it’s not reviewed then it’s pretty criminal’ - Matt Bostock joins calls for urgent track barrier safety review
Bostock one of two riders hospitalised after velodrome incident at the Commonwealth Games 2022
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Tom Dumoulin confident altitude training in Tenerife will help Giro d'Italia ambitions: 'I will do the necessary work'
The Dutchman has performed inconsistently in 2022, but still has his sights set on GC victory next month
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
WorldTour riders still yet to confirm a contract for 2022
Some riders have yet to put pen to paper for the 2022 season and have almost run out of time to impress
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Arkéa-Samsic manager says they are 'at the gates of the WorldTour' with aims to join in 2023
The team of Nairo Quintana will get an automatic invite to every WorldTour race in 2022
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
Drone Hopper-Androni Giocattoli boss Gianni Savio sets out big goal of joining the WorldTour in 2024
The second division team has set out some big goals for the future with its young squad
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
Tom Dumoulin doesn't rule out Grand Tour return in 2022
Dutchman will decide on his season at the Jumbo-Visma training camp in mid-December
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Tom Dumoulin runs rapid 10k in hometown of Maastricht
The former Giro d'Italia winner finished second in the event where he averaged 18.3km/h
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
Tom Dumoulin trains with Dutch amateurs as he starts cycling again
The Dutchman is back riding two months after being hit by a car and fracturing his wrist
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
BikeExchange interested in Tom Dumoulin for 2023 'if he wants to carry on with GC ambitions'
Dumoulin will be free at the end of 2022, when his contract with Jumbo-Visma runs out
By Ryan Dabbs • Published