Tom Dumoulin says Primož Roglič is Jumbo-Visma's leader and Egan Bernal is leader at Ineos
In just one sentence the Dutchman dispenses with both squad's three-pronged tactic
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Forget letting the road decide. Now, Tom Dumoulin decides.
The Jumbo-Visma rider says he needs to get better to stand a chance of winning the Tour de France, and at the moment it's clear Primož Roglič is the strongest, de facto leader of the team. And the same goes for Egan Bernal and Ineos too.
"What I’ve seen so far is that Primož is by far the strongest rider, and that’s nice. But as a team we are also very strong. So far we are right in the running to win this race," Dumoulin said after Roglič extended his GC lead on stage three of the Critérium du Dauphiné.
"It’s not premature to say who our leader is for the Tour. I think it’s Primož, Bernal is Ineos’s leader, and hopefully me and Stevie [Kruijswijk] will improve and hopefully Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome won’t.
>>> ‘It’s still a long way until the third week of the Tour,’ says Ineos’ Pavel Sivakov
"It could be that the support leaders will be closer to the level of Primož and Bernal in the Tour, and then we’ll just have to see how that works."
Wout van Aert also spoke of Roglič's strength, adding that for the moment he is the strongest of Jumbo-Visma's three leaders.
"We have three leaders but it's clear for everyone that Primož is for the moment at least a bit stronger," Van Aert said. "But on the other hand, the other two guys are also experienced and super strong. So to have them in the team as well is definitely a big advantage."
The Dutchman was having a good day on stage two, the first big mountain day of the Dauphiné, before a bike change thwarted his chances of being at the pointy end of racing on the Col de Porte. He also recognises this is only his second race back since crashing out of the Dauphiné this time last year and still has work to do.
"Actually yesterday I had a better day, but I had to change my bike at the bottom of the climb and today I was a little less strong, but I was still up there, so it’s fine. But I definitely have to improve before the Tour," he said after stage three.
Thank you for reading 10 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
Hi. I'm Cycling Weekly's Weekend Editor. I like writing offbeat features and eating too much bread when working out on the road at bike races.
Before joining Cycling Weekly I worked at The Tab and I've also written for Vice, Time Out, and worked freelance for The Telegraph (I know, but I needed the money at the time so let me live).
I also worked for ITV Cycling between 2011-2018 on their Tour de France and Vuelta a España coverage. Sometimes I'd be helping the producers make the programme and other times I'd be getting the lunches. Just in case you were wondering - Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen had the same ham sandwich every day, it was great.
-
-
Team bosses underwhelmed by 'symbolic' UCI rider development fee plan
The new rule will see development teams earn €2,000 a season once a rider signs to the WorldTour
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
First ever sale at premium kids' bike brand Islabikes
Parents wanting to get their kids a new bike can get up to 35% off while stocks last
By Vern Pitt • Published
-
Egan Bernal to return to racing in late-March
Rod Ellingworth confirms Colombian to return to action in coming weeks, Tour de France place not guaranteed
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
No Egan Bernal at Paris-Nice as knee injury disrupts season
Former Tour de France champion "OK" but return is unknown at the moment
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Egan Bernal set to kick-off 2023 season in Argentina as he targets Tour de France return
Colombian hoping to make a return to Tour de France after successful knee operation
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Remco Evenepoel should ignore Ineos Grenadiers' overtures and stay put at Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl
Interest from a Grand Tour winning machine like Ineos Grenadiers is flattering, but it's not sure to realise the World Champion’s massive potential
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Changing of the guard: Seven top cyclists who have retired in 2022
Vincenzo Nibali, Alejandro Valverde and Tom Dumoulin have all called time on their careers this year
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Egan Bernal ends season to return to Colombia for knee surgery
No Il Lombardia or Tour of Croatia for the Colombian as he builds for 2023 comeback
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Celebrating the career of Tom Dumoulin: our three favourite moments
The former Giro d’Italia winner announced his immediate retirement earlier this week
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Tom Dumoulin ends career with immediate effect
Dutch former Giro d’Italia winner brings forward retirement from professional cycling
By Tom Thewlis • Published