He has still not made a decision. Not even after the presentation of the course for the 103rd edition of Tour de France. But Tom Dumoulin doesn't rule out participation in La Grande Boucle.

"The route looks promising and diverse, and it will be an exciting Tour until the end. There are two time trials, a time trial on a hilly course and a mountain time trial. It is a course that looks like it could suit me, partly because of the limited number of uphill finishes."

Less climbing is not necessarily an advantage for the Dutchman, he says. "Because it often produces much fight during the stage. In short, it is an interesting course for me."

The Giro d'Italia, with three time trials, seems ideal for Dumoulin. "My racing schedule for next season has not been made, and we will work with the team management in the next few weeks to decide on the details, to determine which races suit me the best."

Another Dutchman who could be at the start is Robert Gesink who was sixth in 2015. "It's too early to really say anything about it." Chances are Gesink will not ride for GC, with the Giro-Olympics double like to be his goal. "The Olympics are just after the Tour so you have to approach such a season differently."