On Sunday, one of the most exciting riders of the spring, Mathieu van der Poel, will ride his last road race of the spring but he has made so much impression in recent weeks that he is already top favorite for the Amstel Gold Race.
News: Mathieu van der Poel
From Sporza …
On Sunday, one of the most exciting riders of the spring, Mathieu van der Poel, will rider his last road race of the spring but he has made so much impression in recent weeks that he is already top favorite for the Amstel Gold Race.
Pic: Getty Images
“I wouldn’t call myself a top favorite, but I can agree with being one of the favorites” says the cyclocross and road star.
This spring, Mathieu van der Poel has not only amazed the cycling enthusiasts but also himself. “I had hoped to be there in all classics, but to always end up so close (to winning) is also beyond my expectations,” says the winner of Dwars door Vlaanderen and Brabantse Pijl. “I was most surprised in the Tour of Flanders. That I could still return after my fall and ride the final on the Paterberg and Kwaremont. Also because that race is so long. Shorter races I was not afraid of but I had never done those longer courses and I enjoyed it.
“Favorite for Sunday, I can agree with that. But top favorite maybe not, there are still riders who have proven more in that kind of races than me. Alaphilippe in particular impressed me. I think he is currently the best rider in the peloton. It’s nice that I can ride against someone like that. Van Avermaet is also good on such a course. The weather is good on Sunday and then Greg is always good. Gilbert has made an impression again in Paris-Roubaix. Add to that the climbers of Astana and Movistar and you know there are a lot of contenders. ”
On approaches from other teams wanting his name on their roster, he says “There are indeed a few teams that have contacted me”, Van der Poel admits. “A few big teams, although I won’t mention names.” Is Patrick Lefevere of Deceuninck-Quick Step one of the interested teams? “Patrick knows our dad a little too so it makes sense that there has been contact. But I have let all the teams know that they have to wait for the time being. I am still under contract until 2023.”
In addition to Corendon-Circus, Van der Poel also wants to remain loyal to cyclocross. “I think it’s a good preparation anyway, because it will make you explosive. If you can combine this with endurance training afterwards, that’s a good mix.”
Cycle Division’s Shop
Send your results as well as club, team & event news here
Other Results on VeloUK (including reports containing results)
- Features, Reports, Results
- BMCR RESULTS – DARLEY MOOR
- Crit Result: Haus RT – Darley Moor #2
- News: British Road Champs Return to NE
- TT Result: Circuit Of Ingleborough
- RR Result: Wally Gimber RR
- TT Result: Cardiff Ajax CC TT
- TT Result: Southern Counties CU TT
- TT Result: CTT Classic Series 1
- TT Result: GTR – Return To Life Two Up TT
- TT Result: Hainault RC Hilly 50km TT
- NEXT WEEKEND: Peaks Two Day is Back!
- News: Laura Kenny Retires
- RR Result: Gifford National B
- RR Results: Junior Men’s & Women’s CiCLE Classic
- Crit Result: Salt Ayre Spring Series 2
- Crit Result: Exeter Uni Early Season Crits
- Team News: Lee Valley Youth Cycling Team
- 2024/25 CYCLO-CROSS CALENDAR
- Startlist: Cardiff Ajax CC 10 Mile TT
- TT Result: Bristol Uni CC 10m TT
- TT Result: Matlock CC 25m TT
- TT Result: Lea Valley CC 25m TT
- TT Result: Port Talbot Whs 25m Two Up
- Startlists: 16th Gifford Road Races (Scotland)
- News: Ellingworth is new Tour of Britain Director
- RR Result: NCRA Spring Handicap RR 2
- Crit Result: Full Gas Spring Rumble Series #2
- Crit Result: Spring MK Bowl Series
- Startlist: Circuit of Ingleborough TT
- TT Result: Swindon Hardriders 30m TT
- STARTLIST: Evesham Vale Road Race 2024
- Track Result: Manchester Regional Track League
- Mammoth fields for Women’s/Junior Men’s CiCLE Classics
- BMCR Result: Harold ‘H’ Nelson Memorial
- HC Result: Darlington CC Hill Climb
- TT Result: GTR – Return To Life Mad March 10 TT
- TT Result: A3crg Road Bike TT
- Crit Result: Salt Ayre Spring Series #1
- Crit Result: Haus RT Darley Moor #1
- TT Result: Kernow Racing Team 10m TT
Other News on VeloUK
- News: British Road Champs Return to NE
- NEXT WEEKEND: Peaks Two Day is Back!
- News: Laura Kenny Retires
- Team News: Lee Valley Youth Cycling Team
- 2024/25 CYCLO-CROSS CALENDAR
- Startlist: Cardiff Ajax CC 10 Mile TT
- Startlists: 16th Gifford Road Races (Scotland)
- News: Ellingworth is new Tour of Britain Director
- Startlist: Circuit of Ingleborough TT
- STARTLIST: Evesham Vale Road Race 2024
- Mammoth fields for Women’s/Junior Men’s CiCLE Classics
- Saturday: Fusion Media Women’s Series Rd 1
- Saint Piran’s Global Women’s Project
- Ribble Rebellion: The Riders
- Team News: Ribble Rebellion Team Launch
- British Classics – 64th Wally Gimber Trophy
- Startlist: 62nd Eddie Soens
- Startlist: 10th Junior Men’s CiCLE Classic (March 17)
- Startlist: 8th Women’s CiCLE Classic (March 17)
- Startlist: 40th Jock Wadley Memorial RR
- Riders: Azets Spring Classic (March 24)
- Bike News: DJ Spoony’s Special & unique Ribble Ultra SL R
- GB Team News: Helen Scott now Men’s Sprint Podium Potential Coach
- Startlist: Royal Navy Cup 2024
- News: Halesowen Academy 2024
- Report: Day 3 British Track Championships
- New Women’s Series in the Midlands
- News: RideLondon Classique
- Event News: CiCLE Classic (Women & Junior Men)
- Quiz Time! Toby Bush (Fensham Howes – MAS Design)
- 2024 Otley CC Race Team
- News: British Cycling Elite Development Teams
- Startlist: Velo Club St Raphael TT
- Team News: Fensham Howes – MAS Design RT Launch
- Ladies: Join BMCR for £10!
- 2024 TEAMS: Shibden Apex RT Junior Men
- Entry List: Clayton Spring Classic Handicap
- 2024 British Teams – Sigma Sports RT
- TEAM NEWS: Max Walker joins Astana
- News: trainSharp Orro Elite Team Launch