Dumoulin and Van der Breggen crowned Dutch riders of the year

Tom Dumoulin was named Dutch men's cyclist of the year for a fifth consecutive time Monday evening, while world champion Anna van der Breggen was crowned women's cyclist of the year for the third time. 

The annual wielergala - cycling gala - in Den Bosch sees awards handed out to the stand-out Dutch riders from the past season, based on a combination of votes from fellow professionals past and present, along with the general public.

Dumoulin was unable to attend after coming down with illness, instead appearing via a video message to express his thanks - and surprise. His Team Sunweb manager Iwan Spekenbrink accepted the award on his behalf.

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"I find it a bit unexpected, especially considering I was up against Mathieu van der Poel and Niki Terpstra," Dumoulin said. "It was a great year for Dutch cycling, and it's nice to be chosen as the best rider."

While 23-year-old Van der Poel became the first ever Dutchman to hold the 'triple crown' of national titles, across road, cyclo-cross and mountain bike, Terpstra won the Tour of Flanders, E3-Harelbeke, and Le Samyn in a storming spring Classics campaign that also included a podium finish at Paris-Roubaix.

Dumoulin, however, despite only tasting victory twice in 2018, won the award thanks to a string of near misses in the biggest races. He was runner up at both the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France, while at the World Championships he finished second in the time trial and fourth in the road race. 

Van der Breggen crowned women's cyclist of the year head of van Vleuten

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