Tom Dumoulin admits to not liking virtual cycling or e-sports racing, suggesting that calibration and weight registration can affect results.

During the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, the use of indoor trainers and digital platforms for training and racing exploded, especially in Italy, France, and Spain.

Many teams created group rides and races, and many athletes participated in broadcasted races. The Veron Group hosted the Digital Swiss 5 series on the Louvi platform, and Garmin hosted the Giro d'Italia virtual race and virtual ride.

Dumoulin participated in the Amstel Gold virtual ride last Sunday, but has yet to participate in an e-sports race as he waits for the COVID-19 epidemic to pass and the race to resume when countries deem it safe. He revealed to the Dutch newspaper De Limburger that he does not like indoor races.

"I understand why indoor racing exists, and it's better than not doing it, but it's not close to the real thing," Dumoulin said.

The Zwift platform calculates power curves for each brand and model of home trainer. In addition, as Thomas de Gendt discovered last month, athletes who break the upper levels of 5.2 watts/kg for 20 minutes and 6.0 watts/kg effort for 5 minutes are automatically disqualified, and a "Zwift Anti-Doping Agency" has been established.

Dumoulin, however, is not convinced.

"I don't trust the results either. He finished 10th in the Tour de Flanders. The devices are of different brands and are not properly calibrated, which is essential. The weight to be entered must be exactly correct.

"In the virtual gold race I averaged 250 watts. Most riders couldn't keep up with it, but I didn't overtake anyone. I think the wattage problem will last forever."

Dumoulin has not raced since last summer after injuring a tendon in his knee in a crash at the Giro d'Italia. He is now fully recovered and fit, but a stomach virus delayed his debut at Jumbo Visma, plus COVID-19 cancelled its spring program. Dumoulin is expected to lead Jumbo-Visma at the Tour de France with Vuelta a España winner Primoz Roglic and compatriot Steven Kruijswijk.

He is based in Belgium, just across the border from his native Limburg region of the Netherlands, which allows him to train outdoors. The Tour de France has been postponed until August 29. Dumoulin will resume training soon, but is not optimistic that the Grand Boucle will take place due to COVID-19.

"At the moment I am not trying to ride my bike every day with a specific goal," he told Limburg TV station L1.

"I try to stay in shape and set daily goals. I have a sort of training schedule, but it's limited and I don't necessarily think the tools are coming soon. If you believe the virologists, I don't think we have much of a chance."