Thomas Dekker commented on his 2012 Tour de France exclusion
Thomas Dekker of Team Garmin-Barracuda has been dropped out form the final team’s squad for the Tour de France 2012.
The cyclist was surprised after being left out form the Tour but has now diverted his attention towards the Vuelta a Espana.
The final squad to represent the American team at the Tour include, Tom Danielson, Tyler Farrar, Ryder Hesjedal, Robert Hunter, Daniel Martin, David Millar, Johan Van Summeren, Christian Vandevelde and David Zabriskie.
Thomas marked his Tour de France debut in 2007, with the young rider classification as his major target but could not secure it.
The Dutch claimed the sixth overall spot position at the young rider classification and managed the 35th overall position after the final general classifications.
He was dropped by Team Rabobank during the Tour de France 2008 and immediately announced his split from the team.
Dekker was tested positive for EPO ahead of the 2009 edition of the French Grand Tour and his name was yet again dropped out by Team Silence-Lotto.
The 27-year-old was suspended form professional cycling for a period of two years and he mark his return on July 1, 2011.
While commenting on his exclusion from the 2012 Tour squad, he told NU.nl, “It's just a tough sport and you notice that you don't have the hardness”.
“In the Tour de Suisse I rode 1400 kilometers in nine days. I need more of these competitions".
“It's just too early. I'm too far from the level needed for the Tour”.
“And then there's the World Championships in my own country, so there is still a lot to go”.
"Otherwise it would be a significant disappointment".
Thomas’ first win of the season came during the Tour of Qatar when he managed to occupy the second stage of the race.
He also claimed the fifth stage of the Circuit de la Sarthe to bag his second victory of the 2012 season.
Thomas marked his professional debut with Team Rabobank in 2005 and stayed with the side by the end of 2008.
He also represented Team Silence-Lotto (2009), Team Chipotle Development (2011) and finally penned a deal with Team Garmin-Barracuda for begin his 2012 professional pursuit.
Dekker is now targeting the Vuelta a Espana and his home World Championships as the next big goals of his season.
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