Meghve: Chris Froome believes Tom Dumoulin will be the man to beat in the time-trial at the Rio Olympics next month.
Froome beat the Dutchman in Thursday’s second time-trial at the Tour de France this year, but he was bested by Dumoulin in the first one last week.
Thursday’s time-trial was just 17km long and almost all uphill, whereas the one Dumoulin won was more than twice as long and although it had two climbs, most of it was flat.
The Rio time-trial will be 54.5km long with four climbs, suiting specialist time-trial expert Dumoulin.
And Froome, who was third in the time-trial in London four years ago behind British teammate Bradley Wiggins and German Tony Martin, believes this time around Dumoulin will be the favourite.
“He’s certainly the man to beat in Rio. He’s made it a big objective and focused a lot on it,” said Froome.
“After freshening up after this year’s Tour de France he’ll be the man to beat.”
On a flatter course, three-time world time-trial champion Martin would probably be the favourite, or even veteran Fabian Cancellara, a four-time world champion, although one whose best years are now behind him.
But it is Dumoulin’s ability to be strong on climbs as well as on a flat speed test that makes him the favourite for Froome.
“He’s a great rider, he’s shown already what he can do in Grand Tours, he’s been very close to winning the Vuelta (a Espana).
“Let’s see, he’s got great potential. Let’s see what he can do in Rio.”
Dumoulin proved his versatility last year in coming sixth at the Vuelta, having led the race until late on.
He won two stages during that race, including a time-trial, just as he has done at this year’s Tour de France.
His best finish yet in the world championships was second behind Martin in 2014, but the mix of climbs and flat should suit Dumoulin, who is getting better every year.
The lumpy course will also favour Froome, who has proved himself an able time-trialer as well as climber.
Hot seat
Dumoulin sat in the hot seat for one and a half hours on Thursday waiting to see if any rider would beat his time.
In the end one did, the very last one, but only by 21 seconds.
Even before Froome had finished, Dumoulin had admitted it would be hard to hold onto the lead.
“It wasn’t my best time-trial but also not a bad one,” he said.
“I’ve been over my limit sometimes. The GC (general classification) riders should be able to do better. In his best form, Chris Froome would beat me.”
It proved to be an accurate prediction, although it was more surprising that none of the other specialist climbers could do likewise.
Dumoulin has said before he believes he will one day challenge for Grand Tour success but he’s not quite ready yet.
If he manages to keep improving his climbing, that day could come sooner rather than later.
But in the meantime, he has a special prize to go for in Rio.
