Tom Dumoulin almost didn't get to the Volta a Catalunya because of French strikes
Several riders a stuck in airports all day Sunday because of air traffic control strikes in France, meaning they almost didn't make it to the Volta a Catalunya

(Picture: Twitter/Tom Dumoulin)
For what seems like the billionth time in the last 12 months, the French air traffic controllers are on strike. With the ensuing 'travel chaos', several riders almost didn't make it to the start of the Volta a Catalunya on time.
Some general classification leaders were held up in airports across Europe as delays hit many airlines as they tried to get their passengers to Barcelona.
Giant-Alpecin's Tom Dumoulin was one of the riders who had a lengthy stay in the airport. Having recovered from the flu in time to race in Catalunya, he faced not even getting to the start line.
LottoNL-Jumbo's Steven Kruijswijk was another rider holed up in an airport all afternoon, as were Gianni Meersman (Etixx-QuickStep) and Sander Armee (Lotto-Soudal).
The Volta a Catalunya runs from Monday to Sunday, with the mountainous parcours and summit finishes on stages three and four attracting an all-star line-up.
Chris Froome, Alberto Contador, Fabio Aru and Nairo Quintana are just four of the big name riders looking for a strong result in the Catalan mountains ahead of their Tour de France bids.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
The Q36.5 Dottore Hybrid Que LS aims to fill the gap between a jacket and a jersey - does it succeed?
Blending jersey and jacket it works across a range of temperatures using the brand's signature materials to great effect
By Andy Turner Published
-
How to clean your bike
The lowdown on how to keep your bike road bike clean and efficient for years to come
By Cat Glowinski Published
-
Rim brakes no more: Every WorldTour bike in 2025 to use discs after final switch
Bianchi's new time trial bike bids farewell to the beloved rim brake
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Amateur cyclist in talks with four WorldTour teams after Strava KOM heroics
Jack Burke says there's a 30% chance he'll ride at cycling's top level in 2025
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Meet the latest British rider to join a WorldTour team
Oli Stockwell is one of 11 promising British talents who will turn pro in 2025
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Josh Tarling equals record for youngest winner of a UCI WorldTour race
Nineteen-year-old Ineos Grenadiers rider matches Remco Evenepoel's benchmark
By Tom Davidson Published
-
CW Live: Olympic champion joins Women's WorldTour; Tom Pidcock tips Van Aert for Cyclo-cross Worlds; Arkéa-Samsic boss 'very interested' in Julian Alaphilippe; Deadline for 2024 Olympics tickets; LEJOG record holder back cycling after hit-and-run
A round-up of all the latest cycling news
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
UCI revises points system to give more weighting to Grand Tours and Monuments
Cycling's governing body publishes major changes to its points scale for the coming three-year cycle
By Tom Davidson Published
-
UCI finalises team licences for 2023, B&B Hôtels miss out
The French team drops off the ProTour from next season, while Fenix-Deceuninck claims the final Women's WorldTour spot
By Tom Davidson Published
-
‘It was awful, I hated cycling so much’ - Tom Dumoulin reveals his struggles on and off the bike
Dutch Giro d’Italia winner says that for the first time in life he can ‘fill in everything’ himself after retirement from professional cycling
By Tom Thewlis Published