Chris Froome’s Career in Decline: Tom Dumoulin Speaks Out
According to a report from Cycling Up To Date, Chris Froome, the once-dominant General Classification (GC) rider, has been struggling to regain his former glory since a devastating crash during a reconnaissance of the 2019 Critérium du Dauphiné time trial. The British cyclist, who boasts four Tour de France titles and seven Grand Tour victories, has been unable to recapture his previous form, with his former rival Tom Dumoulin expressing concerns about Froome’s continued presence in the peloton.
In a recent interview with the De Grote Plaat podcast, Dumoulin stated, "I personally think it’s a shame that he keeps racing." The Dutch cyclist, who has faced off against Froome on multiple occasions, including the 2018 Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, believes that Froome appears to be continuing his career out of habit rather than a genuine passion for the sport. "I want him to have his fun. If he still enjoys it, who am I to take away his fun. But I can’t help but get the impression that he doesn’t really enjoy it anymore. It seems like he keeps cycling out of habit and is afraid to stop," Dumoulin said, as reported by Cycling Up To Date.
Froome’s decline has been evident since his 2019 crash, with the 40-year-old struggling to regain his previous level of performance. Despite signing a long-term contract with Israel – Premier Tech, the team he currently rides for, Froome’s results have been underwhelming. His contract is set to expire in 2025, but he has shown no indication of retiring. Dumoulin questioned the motivation behind Froome’s continued racing, stating, "Of course he still earns a lot. But then I think: man, does he need that? He’s earned millions a year for almost ten years. I don’t know how many houses you need to live in? The fact that he’s riding around at this level now takes the shine off it for me. Actually, that’s been the case since his fall in 2019. He’s never been at his level again."
The comments made by Dumoulin have sparked debate within the cycling community, with many questioning whether Froome’s continued presence in the sport is indeed taking away from his own legacy. As Cycling Up To Date reports, Froome’s struggles have been evident in his performances, with the Briton failing to secure a podium finish in a major Grand Tour since his 2018 Giro d’Italia victory. The site also notes that Froome’s team, Israel – Premier Tech, has yet to comment on the matter.
Dumoulin’s concerns about Froome’s career are not unfounded. The Dutch cyclist has a deep understanding of the pressures and demands of professional cycling, having himself experienced a resurgence in form in recent years. As reported by Cycling Up To Date, Dumoulin’s own career has been marked by significant highs and lows, including a highly publicised break from the sport in 2020.
As the cycling world continues to speculate about Froome’s future, one thing is certain: the Chris Froome of old is a shadow of his former self. Whether he will ultimately decide to retire or continue racing remains to be seen, but for now, his former rival Tom Dumoulin believes that it’s time for Froome to consider hanging up his wheels. As Cycling Up To Date reports, the situation will undoubtedly continue to unfold in the coming months, with many eagerly anticipating Froome’s next move.
The publication also states that it will be keeping a close eye on this story and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
