For the second year in a row, Tom Dumoulin jas been awarded the Gerrit Schulte Trophy, the award for the best Dutch cyclist of the year. The prize is a deserved one, according to the 25-year-old Dutchman who was chosen instead of seven other nominees. "Yes, I think I deserved the prize the most." 

Last year he was also named Cyclist of the Year. Back then it was controversial because many people were convinced that Niki Terpstra's victory in Paris-Roubaix should have been recognized. "A negative discussion started. Therefore I could not really enjoy the prize," the Giant-Alpecin rider tells NOS.

This time there was no doubt. Especially his performance in the Vuelta a Espana has created imagination. Half the country was suddenly captivated by Tom Dumoulin who led the race until the penultimate stage.

Dumoulis is most proud of the stage victory where he beat Chris Froome in the final meters in a summit finish. "I look fondly back on that," says the rider who was sixth overall. "I'm also definitely going back to the place where I won when we gather for a training camp nearby in December."

His performance in 2015 of course raise expectations for the coming season. Initially, he and his team seemed to disagree about his race schedule  but the parties now have a common plan. "But I will not tell you more now," he says with a smile.

The other nominees were Niki Terpstra, Robert Gesink, Lars van der Haar, Jeffrey Hoofland, Steven Kruijswijk, Mathieu van der Poel and Wout Poels.