Without success for more than five months and his triumph over Paris-Roubaix in April, Mathieu van der Poel was finally able to raise his arms again with his world champion’s jersey on the occasion of the 1st stage of the Skoda Tour of Luxembourg disputed this Wednesday. In the capital of the Grand Duchy, the Dutch ofAlpecin – Deceuninck showed up untouchable in the final sprint on a false flat to sign his 50th career victory, his 4th of the season. Perhaps one of his last with the rainbow jersey on his back, the Worlds Zurich is fast approaching (September 29)? This success is in any case a good omen for MVDPa good confidence boost ahead of his world title defense in Switzerland.”“It’s great to win the first stage”he reacted in an interview just after the arrival.
Video – MVDP hadn’t raised his arms since Paris-Roubaix!
“There are only three of us left… It will be difficult to control the race”
“It’s been a long time since I won a race. I had a lot of fun, it was a fantastic stage. The last time I came to Luxembourg was for the Cyclo-cross World Championships in 2017, but I’m happy to be back.”continued Van der Poelnow leader of the Luxembourg event. A leading position that the Batavian and his team will have a hard time defending until Sunday, since no less than three of his teammates – Emiel Verstrynge, Søren Kragh Andersen And Jimmy Janssens – had to drop out due to a disease that spread.”The next few days are also going to be tough, I’m looking forward to it. Unfortunately, there are only three of us in the team (with Silvan Dillier and Jente Michels, editor’s note) because three teammates had to abandon due to illness. It will be difficult to control the race. I came to Luxembourg with the goal of winning a stage and I did it straight away. This victory takes some pressure off me for the future.”concluded Mathieu van der Poel.
Skoda Tour de Luxembourg – Stage 1 ranking
Skoda Tour de Luxembourg – Provisional general classification after the 1st stage
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