He was a professional cyclist for many years, became an analyst after his active career, and is now preparing for a role as race director. On Wednesday, it was announced that Tom Dumoulin will take over the reins from Leo van Vliet after the 60th edition of the Amstel Gold Race.
Dumoulin didn't hesitate long when he received the offer. "When Leo asked me, I thought yes: that is definitely something I aspire to and something I would find very special," he says in front of the camera of WielerFlits. "As a little boy, I already stood on the roadside of the Amstel Gold Race when the finish was still in Maastricht. This race made me the cyclist I am. To then become its race director, I didn't have to think about it for long."
With his background and name, Dumoulin would undoubtedly be an asset to any cycling team, but the 2017 Giro winner has chosen instead to work for an organizing body. Why is that? "I rode in teams as a rider for eleven years, and that’s not exactly where my ambition lies. I find it very special to be able to do this now."
Big shoes to fill
Dumoulin certainly has big shoes to fill, as under Leo van Vliet’s inspiring leadership, the Amstel Gold Race has evolved into a staple on the international cycling calendar and an indispensable part of the UCI WorldTour. "Under Leo’s direction, the race has really grown into an iconic event in the Netherlands and also on the international stage."
Tom Dumoulin succeeds Leo van Vliet as race director of the Amstel Gold Race. Photo: Raymond Kerckhoffs
"The world’s top riders line up at the start every year. It is simply the cycling race of the Netherlands," Dumoulin continues. "Leo has done a fantastic job building it over the past thirty years. It is definitely not the intention that I overhaul the entire playbook. The Amstel Gold Race is truly fantastic, and it must stay that way."
Own ideas
As the new race director, Dumoulin will also want to leave his mark and implement changes. "Absolutely, but Leo has done that over the past thirty years as well. Almost every year small adjustments were made because they were necessary or desirable. I will do that too, it is necessary. Standing still is going backwards. You have to move with the times, and I will definitely do that."
"I already have some ideas here and there, but I don’t yet know if they are feasible or if we should pursue them. There is no rush for that either. Fortunately, the Amstel Gold Race is in a strong position, and we can look from this privileged position to see if there is room to grow in the future."
