Tom Dumoulin will call a halt to his career as a professional cyclist at the end of 2022. Dumolin, 31, who won the Giro d’Italia in 2017, said in a social media post that he has too many physical shortcomings to be able to continue top level racing.

At the beginning of 2021 he paused his career but came back to take part in the Tokyo Olympics, winning a silver medal in the time trials.

‘Although it has been great from time to time, often and this year in particular, it has also been frustrating… and my body felt and still feels tired,’ he said. ‘As soon as training or competition increases, I suffer from fatigue, aches and injuries instead of getting better.’

Dumoulin said he did not know what he would do next, but that his love of cycling would remain part of his life.

Before then, he said, he is looking forward to the world championships in Australia, ‘where I hope I can do it one last time in the time trials’.

Dumoulin’s top level cycling career spans over 10 years and includes three Tour de France stage wins and a second place in the Tour in 2018.