Former teammate Marcel Kittel posted a thoughtful message of support following Tom Dumoulin's decision to leave cycling immediately. Kittel, who retired from professional cycling midway through the 2019 season, rode with Dumoulin for four seasons from 2012 to 2015, and while Dumoulin initially formed part of Kittel's incredibly successful lead-out train, the Dutchman timed trials, and began to excel in stage races.

Kittel also left Giant-Alpecin earlier than expected, as did Dumoulin, but ended his career stating that he had lost motivation after his ordeal in Katusha.

Dumoulin only announced his retirement on Saturday, but his future as a professional cyclist will be put on pause while he resolves his personal needs and decides his next goals. The news of his sudden unpaid leave came as a shock, as just 24 hours earlier, Jumbo Visma had announced that the 30-year-old would be given a leadership role in both the cobbled classics and the Tour de France, where Dumoulin finished seventh in 2020.

Kittel, an avid fan of the sport and a retired media personality, fully supported Dumoulin and empathized with the Dutchman's situation and his decision to take a vacation.

"I have always admired @t.dumoulin's strength. On the bike, we won a stage of the Tour de France together as teammates. And off the bike, for his clear opinions and honest critics," the German wrote on Instagram.

"Of course it is sad to see him leave cycling, but he is true to himself and takes the time he needs to figure out who he is and what he wants. I know from personal experience how it feels and how difficult it is when you question what you are doing and want to look beyond your current life and identity. Time will tell and I hope Tom finds the answers soon."

"Until then, I hope he has the same strength in this part of his career as he does on his bike, and in all others who are in the same situation and trying to learn more about their own identity. It is a great journey with no fixed destination, but it is also a very important life lesson to re-find and recalibrate the inner compass and head in the right direction for the future.

Dumoulin and Jumbo Visma have not stated at this time when they will take a break, but they have revealed that they tried to stop their racing careers after last year's Tour de France and have previously told Wielerfritz that retirement crossed their minds.

"I had a terrible time after my knee injury. On top of that, the intestinal problems in the spring, and then Corona. I can say that I was closer to quitting than to continuing," he told the magazine.

News of his departure from the Jambovisma team camp in Spain left the Dutch team with many questions.

Nevertheless, the team's top priority is, of course, Dumoulin's well-being as a human being rather than his competitive priorities.