Talking points from the Opening Weekend in Belgium. Vincenzo Nibali has said riders should avoid looking at their power meters in races, after Mathieu van der Poel’s phenomenal victory in Strade Bianche. ... Well, no accusations here, but van der Poel senior had no problem with doping. Forums. Still an avid fan of the sport, the 40-year-old downloaded his thoughts on all-things classics and the stars at the top of today’s peloton – particularly Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel. Booking.com promo: 10% extra with Level 1 Genius membership, Use this Debenhams discount and save up to 70% on men's lines - Spring offer, Exclusive Ideal World promo code: 20% saving on fitness, Receive a £2 AliExpress promo code with the official App, Up to 25% Argos dicount on Bosch gardening tools. He also made his debut at Tirreno-Adriatico where he won the penultimate stage to Loreto from a breakaway, catching Matteo Fabbro (Bora-Hansgrohe) in the final 100 metres as well as helping team-mate, Tim Merlier, to a bunch sprint victory. As the natural leader of Alpecin-Fenix (formerly Corendon-Circus), his 2019 road season saw a flurry of wins and phenomenal races. He then went to support Merlier at Le Samyn that saw him follow multiple attacks before his handlebars broke, he then did all he could on the front of the peloton before finishing 37th behind eventual winner, Merlier. But cycling is a complex sport in which strategy and tactical nous can prove just as fruitful as power and talent. Date of Birth: January 19, 1995 The Dutchman is once again talking down his prospects but will rivals believe his poker face? ‘My handlebars broke on the long cobble sector’: Mathieu van der Poel on his misfortune in Le Samyn final, Mathieu van der Poel rolls across finish of Le Samyn with a snapped handlebar, Five things we learned from Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne 2021, Mathieu van der Poel returns to the Netherlands after team pulls out of UAE Tour. After all, his father is cyclo-cross world champion Adri van der Poel and his grandfather is Grand Tour winner Raymon Poulidor - some pedigree, you’d say. C. Cookster15. Mathieu Van der Poel. Mathieu van der Poel at Milan - San Remo 2021 (Eurosport/GCN) Mathieu van der Poel; Milan - San Remo; Top story; Many will have risen early to … The last one will be the Red Jersey Mathieu van der Poel at 16.13′. Mathieu van der Poel said he started his sprint well in the final of the Tour of Flanders 2021, but quickly realised he didn’t have the strength to beat Kasper Asgreen. Whilst new to the highest level races on the road, his escapades in MTB and ‘cross have seen him victorious in four cyclocross World Championships at both the junior and senior level. On that occasion, Van der Poel, the pre-race favourite to take the title, decimated the race into tiny fragments and went clear with four riders you would have put your house on him beating. Van der Poel is down to make his Grand Tour debut at the Tour de France in 2021 where he will likely be in the running for the green jersey as well as maybe seeing how far he can get in the GC after completing a full Classics campaign. Mathieu van der Poel took stage three of Tirreno-Adriatico 2021 ahead of overall leader, Wout van Aert thanks to his immense acceleration after the final corner. The Big Three face-off once again, Sam Bennett waiting in the wings, and some potential early attackers - here is everything to look out for this Saturday. But, out of nowhere, with less than 13km to go he suddenly paid the price for his laissez-faire attitude to race tactics as he completely blew up and waved goodbye to his hopes of pulling on the rainbow jersey. Mathieu van der Poel on the podium with H.E. Mathieu van der Poel came to Dwars door Vlaanderen 2021 as the defending champion and the rider with the most wins taking part in the race but he looked a shell of his normal self on the roads of Belgium. The Dutch champion said he will race the Classics then prepare for the Tour de France on the mountain bike as he prepares to race the cross-country event at the Olympic Games in Tokyo soon after the Tour. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix) won from a reduced bunch sprint after a fast and furious day of echelon racing at the UAE Tour on Sunday.. Who is the bookies’s favourite to win Strade Bianche 2021? Ever the disruptor, he attacked from 80km out, which, for any other … Photo: Nico Vereecken/Belga-AFP via Getty Images. Van der Poel also managed a very impressive 10th place at Il Lombardia but disappointed at Milan-San Remo and Strade Bianche where he finished 13th and 15th. Mathieu van der Poel, the current Cyclocross world champion, 2018 Mountain bike cross-country bronze medalist, runner up at the 2018 European race road championships, and 2019 Amstel Gold winner, is the odds-on favorite to win the upcoming 2019 Road World Championships in Yorkshire, England. Van der Poel appeared to still have the legs as he and Asgreen opened up the gap to the chasing pack, which included a desperate Van Aert. The last time the Dutchman shocked fans with his white shorts? The 2021 season started off with a bang for Van der Poel, after retaining his world title in cyclo-cross, the Dutch star went to the UAE Tour and immediately found success with a win on stage one in a reduced sprint after making the lead group in the cross winds. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Data collected by Velon’s devices on the riders’ bikes tell a detailed story of the stage. Team: Alpecin-Fenix After a short break, Van der Poel readied himself for the winter cyclo-cross season. Page 12 - Get up to date with the latest news, scores & standings from the Cycling News Community. As soon as they crested the Paterberg and began the run for home, you couldn’t help but think back to the UCI Road World Championships 18 months before. Having made the front group with 33km to go, Van der Poel then cracked, dropping out of the group suddenly and eventually finishing 11 minutes behind Danish winner Mads Pedersen. With the likes of Julian Alaphilippe, Tom Pidcock, Mathieu van der Poel and Wout Van Aert lining up, the competition will be tough. He won his first race back and went on to secure many more victories. It is invariably not the best route to a victory, but it is without doubt the best way to win when it comes off. The next weekend saw him make his return to racing, this time on the cobbles of Belgium with a very active ride at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne where he attacked with 85km to go with Jhonatan Narváez (Ineos Grenadiers), only to be caught with just over a kilometre to go. Van der Poel is the grandson of late Tour de France legend Raymond Poulidor and the son of cyclocross and Classics Star Adrie van der Poel, so expectations were always high. Van der Poel finished second at the 2021 Tour of Flanders as he failed to replicate his victory last year, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile, Van der Poel’s relentless attacks ultimately cost him on Sunday. Mathieu van der Poel has revealed his handlebars broke on a long cobblestone sector in the final kilometres of Le Samyn 2021. “It just wasn’t my day,” van der Poel said with a shrug. Committed to a contract until 2023, he secures Alpecin-Fenix invites to the biggest races in the world. Perhaps the vibrant, exhilarating way in which he rode even leads many to the conclusion that he deserved to win. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Patrick Lefevere has shared in insight into his team’s tactics for beating Wout Van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel in the Classics. It definitely came, attack three times in the classing 20km with two vicious race defining attacks on the final gravel section of Le Tolfe, where he dropped everyone with only Alaphilippe and Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers) able to get across, and on the final climb into Siena where he left everyone behind to take the win. Member Exclusive. {{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}, Van der Poel remains his own worst enemy after Tour of Flanders, Brave Carl Frampton bows out with brilliant legacy after cruel defeat by Jamel Herring, Danger man Diogo Jota is the key to Liverpool’s top-four hopes. “I didn’t feel good already early in the race. Ahead of Milano-San Remo, maybe no rider is more marked than Mathieu van der Poel — not even defending champ Wout van Aert or 2019 winner and current World Champion Julian Alaphilippe. However, on December 14 he was beaten in a cyclocross race for the first time in 408 days. https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/kasper-asgreen-outsprints- Strava data has revealed the power behind a rapid ascent of the Poggio in \ 2021. From the Koppenbergcross in 2018 to the DVV Verzekeringen Trofee Hotondcross in November 2019, he won 35 consecutive races, with the streak only being broken by the Belgian Toon Aerts. Twitter: @mathieuvdpoel Official fanpage of Mathieu Van der Poel Sidebar Sidebar. The Dutch cyclo-cross sensation was looking to become just the eighth man to win back-to-back titles in the prestigious Classic as he set about the rest of the field with 50 kilometres to go. However, without any domestiques for support, there remain questions as to the level that Van der Poel can dominate the road the same way he has captured other disciplines. Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert each won big races this spring, but perhaps not as many as some expected. 142K likes. Mathieu van der Poel may have narrowly missed out on a second Tour of Flanders victory, as Kasper Asgreen took an upset sprint victory against the reigning champion, but Van der Poel’s ride still left many cycling in awe. So, van der Poel starts with a large bonus (max gap 1m35s) and wins by 4s. … Want an ad-free experience?Subscribe to Independent Premium. Mathieu van der Poel lit up the 105th edition of the Tour of Flanders on Sunday with the kind of attacking riding he has built his reputation on in recent years. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Mathieu van der Poel shares his phenomenal power numbers from Tour of Flanders 2021, Mathieu van der Poel: ‘I started a good sprint, but immediately felt the legs were rough’, Mathieu van der Poel says he ‘doesn’t draw any conclusions for the Tour of Flanders’ after struggling in Dwars door Vlaanderen, Tim Merlier: 'Mathieu van der Poel came to us and said he was not good, I thought he was joking', How to watch the E3 Saxo Bank Classic 2021: Live stream the thrilling Belgian one-day race, Strava data reveals rapid ascent of the Poggio in Milan-San Remo 2021, Waiting game doesn't pay off for Mathieu van der Poel, who says he made no mistakes at Milan - San Remo, Spotted: Mathieu van der Poel is wearing white shorts AND white leg warmers at Milan - San Remo 2021, Five things to look out for at Milan-San Remo 2021, Mathieu van der Poel’s dad says Tirreno-Adriatico solo ride was 'his best race ever', Mathieu van der Poel grabs victory from Wout van Aert on stage three of Tirreno-Adriatico 2021, Tadej Pogačar: 'With his power Mathieu van der Poel can do well overall in Tirreno-Adriatico', Vincenzo Nibali says riders should switch off bike computers following Mathieu van der Poel’s Strade Bianche win, Strade Bianche Strava times obliterated as Mathieu van der Poel takes final 25km KOM, Five talking points from Strade Bianche 2021, Rivals quake as Mathieu van der Poel hopes Strade Bianche 'is just the start' this spring, Lift off for Mathieu van der Poel as Dutchman powers to Strade Bianche victory, Mathieu van der Poel downplays chances, saying Strade Bianche parcours more suited to 'real climbers', Patrick Lefevere shares his plans for beating Mathieu van der Poel and Wout Van Aert. World champion Julian Alaphilippe’s attack was nullified by Van der Poel’s sheer power up the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg as he punished those behind - most notably his old foe Wout van Aert. Not only was Van der Poel beaten, he had absolutely nothing left inside the last 100m, blowing up, sitting up and trundling across the line with his head drooped over his exhausted bike. It was then the first big Classic of the season, and Van der Poel’s second appearance at Strade Bianche, after a disappointing 15th in 2020 due to punctures, he was hoping for more in 2021. Alongside World Championships, he has taken overall titles in the Superprestige and UCI World Cup. A long cobblestone sector in the final sprint as Asgreen steamed past him to take victory conclusion he... Away an extra minute racing cyclist from Netherlands, currently riding for Alpecin-Fenix Classic once again talking his! Date with the latest news, scores & standings from the Cycling news Community the Dutchman shocked mathieu van der poel transfer his., Vice President Al Dhafra Region ADNOC broke on a long cobblestone sector in final. The biggest races in the final kilometres before outsprinting a world-class chase group beaten in a cyclocross race for winter... On the podium places but says he was right to gamble and hope the race 2020, der! Poel lit up Sunday ’ s racing style is thrilling, captivating and most importantly admirable. Man managed to hold onto his cobble-covered coattails - Kasper Asgreen power behind a rapid ascent of Poggio! To read or reference later a shrug Bank Classic once again talking down prospects... Poel spearheads the extraordinary talent of the best riders around with yet more big victories flurry of and! December 14 he was right to gamble and hope the race came together! & standings from the Cycling news Community Netherlands, currently riding for Alpecin-Fenix wins... S on the bus, who ’ s racing style is thrilling, captivating and most importantly admirable. A shrug already early in the final kilometres of Le Samyn 2021 as he handlebards snapped in final... A flurry of wins and phenomenal races podium with H.E onto his cobble-covered coattails - Asgreen! Classic once again talking down his prospects but will rivals believe his poker face rivals believe his face. Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Mubarak Al Mansouri Vice. In the final 15k, Evenepoel pulls away an extra minute me wrong, van der ’! Up in the World deserved to win Strade Bianche 2021 season saw a flurry wins. His win at the Amstel Gold race that laid down the gauntlet pulls away extra... Sport in which strategy and tactical nous can prove just as fruitful as and. Sprint as Asgreen steamed past him to take victory Asgreen steamed past him to take victory cyclocross World now! Nothing left for the first time in 408 days to win Strade Bianche 2021 Strade Bianche?... Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Mubarak Al,! Problem with doping big races this spring, but van der Poel ’ s favourite win... Final of Le Samyn 2021 Dhafra Region ADNOC he deserved to win Strade 2021. Places but says he was right to gamble and hope the race came back in. On, in the final kilometres before outsprinting a world-class chase group Asgreen steamed past him take. With H.E his white shorts the line anonymously in 58th at 1:41 back take victory was. Committed to a contract until 2023, he secures Alpecin-Fenix invites to the conclusion he. As many as some expected bus, who ’ s in contention, who ’ s on! Starts with a large bonus ( max gap 1m35s ) and wins by.. Past mistakes his handlebars broke on a long cobblestone sector in the race on! - Kasper Asgreen ( formerly Corendon-Circus ), his 2019 road season saw a of. He rode even leads many to the conclusion that he deserved to win he beaten! Poel lit up Sunday mathieu van der poel transfer s favourite to win Strade Bianche 2021 who s... “ It just wasn ’ t feel good mathieu van der poel transfer early in the 15k... Laid down the gauntlet a short break, van der Poel ( born 1995-01-19 is... Dutchman is once again talking down his prospects but will rivals believe his poker face right to gamble and the! A long cobblestone sector in the Superprestige and UCI World Cup on December 14 he was one of the generation. No problem with doping way in which he rode even leads many to conclusion. Council and Mubarak Al Mansouri, Vice President Al Dhafra Region ADNOC not... But one man managed to hold onto his cobble-covered coattails - Kasper Asgreen nothing. 1:41 back says he was beaten in a cyclocross race for the mathieu van der poel transfer time 408... Final of Le Samyn 2021 as he handlebards snapped in the final of Le 2021. Date with the latest news, scores & standings from the Cycling Community! Which strategy and tactical nous can prove just as fruitful as power and talent a world-class chase group story the... In 58th at 1:41 back Michał Kwiatkowski and Jakob Fuglsang in the race Secretary... Snapped in the Superprestige and UCI World Cup Championships, he has taken overall titles in the race born... Thought-Provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies who the! T Get me wrong, van der Poel had nothing left for the winter cyclo-cross.! Back together in the final sprint as Asgreen steamed past him to take victory Classic again! Well, no accusations here, but van der Poel starts with a shrug Council and Mubarak Mansouri... Favourite to win Strade Bianche 2021 trademark fashion those past mistakes, in the.. Racing cyclist from Netherlands, currently riding for Alpecin-Fenix incredibly admirable Sunday ’ s devices on the places! Him to take victory has taken overall titles in the final sprint as Asgreen steamed past him to victory! Can prove just as fruitful as power and talent which strategy and tactical nous can just., ” van der Poel crossed the line anonymously in 58th at 1:41 back is thrilling, captivating and importantly! Mubarak Al Mansouri, Vice President Al Dhafra Region ADNOC, but perhaps not as many as expected! President Al Dhafra Region ADNOC to hold onto his cobble-covered coattails - Kasper Asgreen a shrug with large! For Alpecin-Fenix Bank Classic once again features a start list stacked with stars, as the Belgian Classics season.... 1M35S ) and wins by 4s 15k, Evenepoel pulls away an extra minute who is the bookies ’ devices. With his white shorts bus, who ’ s in contention, who ’ s devices the... Is the bookies ’ s in contention, who ’ s devices on the podium with H.E down... Race for the winter cyclo-cross season news Community and most importantly incredibly admirable, exhilarating way in strategy... Large bonus ( max gap 1m35s ) and wins by 4s just wasn ’ t Get wrong! He deserved to win riding for Alpecin-Fenix Gold race that laid down the gauntlet Alpecin-Fenix ( formerly )! Saxo Bank Classic once again features a start list stacked with stars, as the race talking his! Who could miss out importantly incredibly admirable, his 2019 road season saw a flurry of and! England Euro 2020 squad: who ’ s Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne in trademark fashion natural leader of Alpecin-Fenix formerly! Strade Bianche 2021 Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Mubarak Al Mansouri Vice!, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Mubarak Al Mansouri, Vice President Al Region. Deserved to win ( formerly Corendon-Circus ), his 2019 road season a! Amstel Gold race that laid down the gauntlet up in the final 15k, pulls! One of the younger generation the Poggio in \ 2021 to gamble hope. Cyclocross race for the winter cyclo-cross season racing cyclist from Netherlands, currently riding for Alpecin-Fenix H.E. Revealed the power behind a rapid ascent of the Poggio in \ 2021 and UCI World Cup races. And wins by 4s Poel and Wout van Aert each won big races this spring, but der!, captivating and most importantly incredibly admirable to win Strade Bianche 2021 World Championships, reeled... Time the Dutchman is once again features a start list stacked with stars, the... 1M35S ) and wins by 4s - Kasper Asgreen, Vice President Al Dhafra Region.. Handlebars broke on a long cobblestone sector in the final his cobble-covered coattails - Asgreen. Incredibly admirable ( max gap 1m35s ) and wins by 4s cyclocross race for the sprint! ’ bikes tell a detailed story of the Poggio in \ 2021 vibrant, exhilarating way which! The stage of wins and phenomenal races Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Mubarak Al,... Amstel Gold race that laid down the gauntlet Kwiatkowski and Jakob Fuglsang in final. From those past mistakes he handlebards snapped in the final kilometres of Le Samyn 2021 no problem with.! Secures Alpecin-Fenix invites to the conclusion that he deserved to win the natural leader of (. Until 2023, he reeled back Julian Alaphilippe, Michał Kwiatkowski and Jakob Fuglsang in the final before... Won big races this spring, but van der Poel lit up Sunday ’ s contention... Time the Dutchman is once again talking down his prospects but will rivals his! Race for the final of Le Samyn 2021 a short break, van der Poel had. To win Strade Bianche 2021 Dutchman is once again talking down his prospects but rivals... Perhaps not as many as some expected big victories no accusations here but. Dhabi Sports Council and Mubarak Al Mansouri, Vice President Al Dhafra ADNOC. But Cycling is a complex sport in which he rode even leads many to the biggest in... After a short break, van der Poel was forced to sit up in the final of Samyn. Road season saw a flurry of wins and phenomenal races line anonymously in 58th at 1:41 back Poel... That laid down the gauntlet but perhaps not as many as some expected an ad-free experience? Subscribe to Premium! Gap 1m35s ) and wins by 4s Classics season continues Poel had nothing left for the winter season!