Missing out on becoming the first yellow jersey holder of this year's Tour de France edition, Tom Dumoulin all of a sudden turned himself into a highly competitive Grand Tour contender, fighting for an overall victory until a very last mountain stage of the Vuelta. It looks like the maglia rosa could be the next objective for the powerful Dutchman, with its route including three stages against the clock.

„We made a time trial on the first day a bit longer,” Giro d'Italia spokesman said. „It's a first stage not a prologue, though, and its length will reach nearly ten kilometers. Along with another already confirmed time trial to take place on 40-kilometers long route on May 15th in Chianti, it looks like a perfect course for Tom Dumoulin.”

Talking to Cyclingnews, the Giro d'Italia race director Mauro Vegni confirmed there was going to be one more time trial, while the whole route of even't next edition will be unveiled during the official presentation on October 5th.

Any decision regarding Dumoulin's schedule for the next season won't be made before his appearance in the World Championships, where he's going to fight for the rainbow jersey in the individual time trial. Impressed by his performance at the Vuelta experts have suggested that the Giant-Alpecin rider should target the Tour de France next season, but participation in the event could collide with his other important goal: Olympic Games in Rio.

„Participation in the Tour seems slightly less optimal than riding the Giro,” Giant-Alpecin manager Iwan Spekenbrink admitted according to Nos.nl. „We will have to discuss it with Tom first after the World Championships, though.”

„There is not much of a time span between the Tour and individual time trial event at the Olympic Games. He could still ride the Tour if he wanted to, but there will be no pressure.”

Targeting the Giro has it's disadvantages too, though, as the event starts right after the Ardennes classics – another important point in Dumoulin's schedule.

The 2015 season is far from being finished for the 24-year old Dutchman, who is expected to ride Il Lombardia following his participation in World Championships in Richmond.

„This season? It's not finished yet! After the World Championships he is going to ride several races, including Il Lombardia. The idea is to make a good use of his current form and gain experience in races like Lombardy, so he will start the winter-break in a good condition.”