Dutchman Tom Dumoulin will not line up at this year’s Tour de France as he has failed to recover from a knee injury, his team announced yesterday.
The Sunweb rider, who placed fourth in the Tirreno-Adriatico, abandoned the Critérium du Dauphiné to avoid aggravating the injury he picked up when he crashed out of the Giro d’Italia.
Tom Dumoulin will not line up at this year’s Tour de France as he has failed to recover from a knee injury. Photo: Supplied/Team Sunweb
“The last month has been extremely difficult overall, and (especially) with the setbacks in the knee recovery,” said the 28-year-old Dumoulin.
“After what happened at the Giro I really wanted to go for it in the Tour, but this week I realised it’s just not realistic for my level to be there in time.
“I’ve tried so hard to get there but I really have to listen to my body and release myself from chasing an unrealistic goal.”
The team’s physician, Anko Boelens, said Dumoulin was eager to be ready in time for the Tour but despite his best efforts it was simply not possible.
“We trusted in the process of rest, recuperation and a gradual return to racing but like in any recovery there have been setbacks.
“Despite his strong will and ambition to race the Tour it’s better to let this goal go this year in favour of optimum recovery,” said Boelens.
Throughout various ups and downs, hope prevailed, but unfortunately @tom_dumoulin is to miss #TDF2019🇫🇷
🗣”I realised it’s just not realistic for my level to be there in time. I’ve tried so hard to get there but I really have to listen to my body.”
💻https://t.co/oeguI2thGe pic.twitter.com/uB8Nuytdm0
— Team Sunweb (@TeamSunweb) June 20, 2019
