Does the Netherlands have a new time trial world champion in the making after Dumoulin? Hoole and Lidl–Trek respond

The reigning Dutch champion confidently went into the time trial: "If you can beat Joshua Tarling in the Giro, you know you're good at time trials. Every time trial is different. This one was quite difficult, as I've already raced a lot this year with a tough spring and the Giro. That makes it physically and mentally difficult to keep going. But the Dutch Championship Time Trial is a big goal. It's great to ride here, and that motivates you to keep training."

As the best time trialist in the country, Hoole was the clear favorite despite the exhaustion in his legs. He enjoyed it all day long: "There was some pressure today, but then you just have to focus. If you pace yourself well, you forget about the pressure, and it's actually quite nice to start such a race as the favorite. It definitely leaves me wanting more.2

Sport director Steven de Jongh rode behind his rider on Tuesday and spoke to IDLProCycling.com about a wonderful victory: "This really confirms that Daan has taken another step forward with us every year. Last year, there was very little (one second, ed.) difference between him and Mick van Dijke; now, it's twenty seconds between him and Van Baarle. His victory in the Giro was also a surprise for us. We knew it would happen eventually, but that he would win so quickly was a real gift.2

The sports director from Alkmaar sees a bright future for Hoole. Now that he has started winning, his role as a pure domestique and man at the front of the peloton is a thing of the past. "There's still room for improvement. He'll make progress in one-day races, but he could also be successful with a late attack. He's a very complete rider and can ride very fast."

After winning the time trial in Italy and two consecutive victories in the Dutch National Championships, the question is what it will take for the Lidl-Trek rider to wear a European champion's or even the rainbow jersey. According to the Dutch champion himself, the answer is simple: "Pedal harder! I have to keep working on my position and improve my performance in every time trial in terms of cornering, position, cadence, pacing, and, of course, delivering more power."

According to Steven de Jongh, his rider can become world champion. "He already beat Joshua Tarling, who could win a medal at the World Championships on a good day. I think the form on the day will also be essential. I hope that everything falls into place for Daan, that the course is good, and that he can finish on the podium at the World Championships. If you can do that, you can win."

The Dutch champion will definitely not compete in the World Championships in 2025. "I have decided with Koos (Moerenhout, ed.) not to do the World Championships. Road racing doesn't suit me, and even the time trial is very tough. So to travel all the way there (Rwanda, ed.) is not worth it." The rest of the fall is also not entirely clear. Hoole says he hopes to compete in the Vuelta a España, but that is uncertain.