TAICHUNG (Taiwan)- «I raced for many years with the TCR – a smiling Tom Dumoulin tells us – but it is my first time coming to the headquarters in Taiwan».
It's true, the Dutchman has now permanently discontinued the career of a professional athlete, but his style, his elegance on the bike and even his engine are unforgettable. Today he is Giant's testimonial, we met him at the group's Asian headquarters and asked him to tell us about the new TCR SL that was just unveiled.
Were you involved in the development of the new TCR?
Not this time. I've been a Giant spokesperson for a few months and before I quit for good I used another bike brand. Let's say that I use the new TCR for about a month, because after a period of rest, the desire to ride a bike has returned. At a different pace, with a different perspective, but I feel good in the saddleWhere I live it's been a pretty rainy winter, but I haven't missed out on a few nice long outings.
So you didn't go to Spain on retreat?
I sent the real riders to training camp (he replies with a laugh). The weather was bad, but I enjoyed my home.
Going back to the TCR, you said no this time! What about previous generations?
In the previous five generations I have always provided and have always been asked to provide my contribution to the development of cyclingStarting from the TCR that we had supplied to Team Rabobank, up to the previous generation, developed some time before, but actually used from 2021. It's a platform I know very well..
Do you still feel capable of developing a product in this category?
When I picked up the bike again, I had some doubts about my sensitivity regarding the bike, the riding phases and especially in providing any feedback. Honestly though... It didn't take me long to get back into a good rhythm. Not the professional one, that's obvious.
Calmly and without the stress of training and competitions?
Exactly. In many ways I realize that I have more time to focus on the bike's responses, on how it actually goes. My leg isn't bad and this helps me.
One thing that struck you about the new TCR?
A short answer? Reactivity in the acceleration and relaunch phase, especially outside the curves. It seems to run away, it is not at all nervous and unstable. It is a moment where its racing character and the ratio between lightness, it is very light, and rigidity.
Faster than the Propel?
They are two different bikes, although I must admit that I haven't used the latest version of the Propel that extensively. The direct feedback I can give, making a sort of comparison, is that the new TCR is even more ready for changes of pace, compared to the Propel. And considering how easy the latter is to launch, you can imagine!
Yet last year all the Team Jayco riders used the Propel!
It was only natural that it should be this way, when Giant provided him with a light and aerodynamic bike, fast on the flat and capable of keeping up with real climber bikes. The professional rider doesn't like to change bikes too oftenIf you offer him the best compromise, you can be sure that he'll choose that. I spoke about this with Yates recently.
Would you go back to traditional brakes?
Not even jokingly. Even though it's the whole package that makes the difference. It's not just a question of the braking system. Bikes are another story, the components are generally evolvedtiTires and even wheels allow you to do things that were unthinkable just a few years ago. We are not talking about 30 years, but six or seven. Another world.
