Tom Dumoulin has to be regarded one of the most improved riders of the 2014 season, as the 23-year old Dutchman not only continued his progress to become one of the strongest time trial specialists of his generation, but significantly improved his climbing abilities what made him a strong contender in hilly one-day and week-long stage races.

Coming out of a highly successful weekend in Canada, where Dumoulin fell short only to unattainable Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEDGE) in Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec and finished sixth two days later on more demanding course in Montreal, the 23-year old Giant-Shimano rider believes in his chances to fight for a podium spot in the upcoming World Championships ITT held in Ponferrada, Spain.

Significantly improved climbing skills made him a strong general classification contender in such races as Baloise Belgium Tour, Eneco Tour or Tour of Alberta, but the 23-year old Dutchman took his first victories in professional career this year thanks to his wonderful time trialing. The Giant-Shimano rider has won stages at the Criterium International, Eneco Tour, Tour of Alberta and became Dutch ITT national champion, while he fell short only to Tony Martin (Omega Pharma – Quick Step) on several other occasions.

“In a period between May and August, I finished second in the individual time trials behind Tony Martin on three occasions, at the Baloise Belgium Tour, Tour de Suisse and the Tour de France,” Dumoulin told Cycling.be. “Of course, it is sometimes frustrating to finish second again and again, but I have been pretty close.”

“To be honest, he [Martin] is just a bit stronger. I’m only 23-year old compared to his 29, so I’m hopeful I will be able to threaten his position one day but at the moment it’s not realistic for me to beat him.”

Despite his highly impressive performances in all individual time trials throughout 2014 season, Dumoulin is unsure on whether he would be able to maintain his high disposition until the World Championships individual time trial and so he remained reluctant to clarify his expectations.

“It only depends on how my disposition on that day will be, really. If I can maintain my form until then, than it’s definitely possible to win a medal. But you shouldn’t really ask me how I feel about my performance and being disappointed or not with obtained result until after the time trial in Spain,” The 23-year old Dutchman concluded.