PODIUM MEMORIES IN PARIS

Dumoulin stood on the podium in Paris as runner- up. As Thomas made his victory speech, Dumoulin chipped in to help out when the Welshman forgot some of his team- mates’ names

Pro: You helped Thomas with his speech when he forgot some of his team-mates’ names…

TD: I can totally imagine it, that ceremony, when you haven’t got speech notes. I had to help Geraint out when he wanted to thank his team but couldn’t remember all of their names. Thomas is a great guy. If anyone else had to win the Tour, I wouldn’t mind it being him. I was extremely happy with my second place. Runner-up in the grande boucle after a second place in the Giro is not an easy thing to do. That made my season. What followed, I would see as a bonus.

Pro: On the stage, did you ever think, even for a second, ‘Yes, I won the Giro, but it would have been better to have won the Tour?’

TD: Thomas is five years older than me. I’m hoping that I get the opportunity for a Tour victory. And if not, then that’s the way it is. I won’t feel like my racing career is less successful if I never win the Tour. There is no sense of jealousy there, because Thomas has it on his bucket list, and I don’t. That’s not how I approach the game.

Pro: Do you think Thomas will be the man to beat again next year? Followed by Froome, and maybe add in Quintana, Roglic and Egan Bernal as well?

TD: That’s a bit short-sighted. No, I don’t think that will be the case. I think Simon Yates will cause some difficulties. I don’t exactly know what to expect from Geraint. He could well be more like a Bradley Wiggins: ‘I got the Tour, I’m finished now.’

Pro: Do you think you’ll have that same attitude?

TD: No, I don’t think so. I’ve felt that in the past, but these days I’ve noticed a change. For example, after my time trial world title, the hunger to race is even stronger. For me it’s more like, ‘I’ve already won this, it’s fun to keep working towards new goals.’