New challenge for Tom Dumoulin, which will require both cycling and running shoes

Tom Dumoulin has taken on a new challenge as an athlete. The Dutchman, who became a father for the first time in October this year, will compete as a beach racer in the 24th edition of the GP Groot-Egmond-Pier-Egmond in the Netherlands on Saturday, January 11. The following day, he will participate as a runner in the NN Egmond Half Marathon.

It's safe to say that the second weekend of January will be a highly athletic one for Dumoulin. The former professional cyclist, who retired in 2022, will compete in both the beach race and the running event in order to qualify for the JOIN Combination Classification in Egmond. This special classification was created for participants who take part in both events over the weekend in Egmond, located in the Dutch province of North Holland.

In a press release from the organizers, Dumoulin expressed his enthusiasm for the challenges in Egmond. "Quite a few years ago, I raced in two beach races, but I’ve never done the GP Groot-Egmond-Pier-Egmond, which is considered the biggest race in the world of beach racing."

What can we expect from the 2017 Giro d’Italia winner? "I have no illusions — my form is far from the peak shape of a professional cyclist — but I’m really curious to see how it will go," Dumoulin said. "Since retiring from cycling, I still ride my bike regularly, but I also love putting on my running shoes for a nice run."

This challenge in Egmond offers Dumoulin the perfect opportunity to combine his two passions. "In the past, I’ve raced in a beach race and run a half marathon. I thought both were really cool! So I think it will be fun to combine these two passions and participate in the JOIN Combination Classification," he shared in a message from the organizers, Le Champion.

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Dumoulin has stayed very active after retiring from professional cycling

Since stepping away from professional cycling in 2022, Dumoulin has taken on multiple athletic endeavors. He completed the Amsterdam Half Marathon in an impressive time of 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 4 seconds. He also won the Sint Pietersbear Trail, a grueling 26-kilometer running race through the hills of the Dutch province of Limburg. He finished the race in September in 1 hour, 44 minutes, and 7 seconds, a full eight minutes faster than the second-place finisher of the day.

Additionally, Dumoulin remains active as an ambassador for Giant, and is frequently spotted cycling. Earlier this week, he also announced a partnership with Eat My Ride, where he spoke about his love for sports and staying active. "I still really enjoy being active. Whether it’s cycling or running, I always want to make the most of the limited time I have," said the 34-year-old former cyclist.

On January 11 and 12, Dumoulin will face a new challenge in Egmond. He is undoubtedly already training hard for both events on his cycling and running shoes. The organizers anticipate that Dumoulin will be a serious contender for the JOIN Combination Classification.

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