After his third place in the road race at the world championships, Mathieu van der Poel announced that he would no longer race on the road this season.
He did well to come, Mathieu van der Poel. The reigning world champion did not make the trip to Switzerland just to honor this rainbow tunic that he wore for a year. The Dutchman had a real card to play on this grueling circuit around Zurich.
Although he was unable to challenge the incredible Tadej Pogacar for victory, Van der Poel overcame the sprint of the pursuers to claim a nice bronze medal. And when he arrived, he was very happy with himself. “I think I had one of my best races ever. I was looking forward to getting another medal, so I’m glad I did it.”he told NOS, a channel in his country.
No Tour of Lombardy for Van der Poel
Observers had noticed that Van der Poel had lost a little weight before this race, to better overcome the bumps. But he does not necessarily intend to continue on this path.
“I was one of the riders capable of winning hilly races, that’s positive, but I don’t want to sacrifice my chances at Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders for the moment to win Liège-Bastogne-Liège »he warns.
In the same vein, despite his weight loss, he will not try his luck on the Tour of Lombardy in October, where he could have tried to add another Monument to his list of achievements.
“I don’t know where this rumor comes from”confided Van der Poel, who is ending his road season. He will simply compete in the gravel world championships next week.
