Golden Dumoulin too fast for Froome

Elite time trials | Bergen | Sept 19-20

Chris Froome’s attempt to become world time trial champion for the first time was much anticipated. A lumpy, 31km course culminating in a three-kilometre climb to the finish, combined with Froome’s inherent ability against the clock, set the scene for a fairytale ending to the double Grand Tour champion’s already stellar year.

However, it appears he omitted to show at least one man the script. Tom Dumoulin was always the favourite despite not having won an international individual time trial this year. The Dutchman paced himself perfectly on a course made trickier by rain, leading at every time check except the first and steadily building his lead throughout. He ultimately finished in 44.41, 57sec ahead of silver medallist Primož Roglic (Slovenia) and 1.21 ahead of Froome.

Britain’s second man, Tao Geoghegan Hart, placed 43rd.

In the women’s race, Britain’s Hannah Barnes produced a wellpaced ride to finish ninth on the 21.1km course. Her teammate Elinor Barker, a former world junior time trial champion, placed 19th. At the sharp end, the Dutch reigned supreme again, with Annemiek van Vleuten recording her 13th win of the season ahead of compatriot Anna Van der Breggen and Australia’s Katrin Garfoot.