Tom Dumoulin: 'It was Thomas who closed the gap to Froome'
Dumoulin was the only GC contender to stick to the Team Sky duo on the difficult finish to Mende on stage 14
Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) worries about beating his rivals Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome, but says that the Sky duo may turn on themselves based on stage 14 in Mende.
The Dutchman, winner of the 2017 Giro d'Italia, sits third overall behind yellow jersey Thomas and Froome in second place.
However, he had a laugh to himself today when Primož Roglič (LottoNL-Jumbo), fourth overall, attacked. It created some tense and telling moments on the short three-kilometre climb to Mende's airstrip.
>>> How Team Sky’s Tour de France leadership strategy may backfire
"It's difficult but they also are riding for their win," Dumoulin said when asked if he was facing a two against one fight with Sky's duo.
"I attacked first [after Roglic was free] then Thomas was in my wheel. Froome closed the gap and attacked, and it was Thomas again who closed the gap to Froome."
Sky has not had such a strong leading duo in the Tour de France since 2012 with Froome and eventual winner Bradley Wiggins. Froome appeared stronger than Wiggins in the climbs, but remained loyal while cracks appeared in Team Sky.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"I can't speak to anyone else, I'm sure they'd be happy for either of us to win," Thomas said of Team Sky's management. "For me, I'd be happier if I won than Froomey!"
The Welshman, however, promised to work for Froome if it is needed in the coming three Pyrenean stages. He said that Froome with six Grand Tour wins has more experience.
Dumoulin could benefit, however, if the two really are chasing each other down as he said he saw on Saturday leading to the finish.
He went back to defend his Giro title this May but could only manage second to Chris Froome. Sitting third in the Tour now, he is one of Sky's biggest threats. He is the time trial world champion and the Tour ends with such an event before the celebration stage in Paris next Sunday.
"There's always hope and belief, when you stop doing that then you better not race at all," Dumoulin said of the possibility of beating Sky's grip on the race.
"I think we were pretty evenly matched today, like also in the Alps actually. We will see what that means in the Pyrenees."
The race's final time trial covers a relatively short 31 kilometres to Espelette. "First the Pyrenees," Dumoulin added, "and then we'll see what the damage is."
Thank you for reading 20 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
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
Tweets of the week: Pogačar can be beaten, Pidcock meets the royals, and Remco's an Arsenal fan
Sadly for Tadej Pogačar, serial winning doesn't seem to apply to go karting
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Friday roundup: Rapha does sportswear, Oakley meets PNS and Restrap makes a vest
Two new clothing lines, some hi-tech smart glasses and a hydration vest to inspire you to ride further
By Luke Friend Published
-
Giro d'Italia 2024 start list: Geraint Thomas to lead 'aggressive' Ineos Grenadiers
All the teams and riders for the 107th Giro d'Italia
By Adam Becket Published
-
'It was one of the hardest days of my life' - Rain and cold lay waste to Tour of the Alps
Juanpe López takes stage three victory, while Geraint Thomas finishes three minutes down in inclement Austrian weather
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'It was time to change': No regrets for Rod Ellingworth after leaving Ineos Grenadiers
New Tour of Britain race director says he is still on good terms with Dave Brailsford after resigning from team last year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I’m just here to enjoy it': Tom Pidcock on his surprise Paris-Roubaix appearance
British rider was a late addition to the Ineos Grenadiers team for the race across the pavé
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
The art of peaking with Geraint Thomas: 'It’s easy to take for granted that 9 times out of 10 I hit my goals'
The Welshman also calls for better governance in the sport to help it grow further
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers’ 500th victory was claimed by a woman; why do they still not have a team?
The British squad is one of the richest in cycling - but Ineos still won’t stump up for a women’s team
By Adam Becket Published
-
'This is so much more than a number': Six of the best Ineos Grenadiers wins as team claims 500th race victory
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot took the 500th team win at the weekend
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'wouldn’t be surprised' to see attacks before the Poggio at Milan-San Remo
British rider will lead the line for Ineos Grenadiers alongside Filippo Ganna
By Tom Thewlis Published