A Comeback on the Cobblestones?
After concluding his road racing season with a podium finish at Paris-Roubaix in October, Mathieu van der Poel took a well-deserved break. His return to cyclocross competition in December was met with some challenges, leading him to prioritize recovery over the World Cup circuit.
While his participation in the upcoming Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali (March 22-26) remains unconfirmed, the Alpecin team has hinted at a possible return for the talented rider.
The organizers of Tour of Flanders are eagerly anticipating Van der Poel’s presence at the start line. The 2020 champion’s return would add another layer of excitement to the prestigious race, especially after his impressive second-place finish last year, narrowly behind Denmark’s Kasper Asgreen.
Will We See Van der Poel Back on the Flanders Cobblestones? A Round Table with Cycling Legend, Marianne Vos
Mathieu van der Poel’s season has been a engaging one, from his stunning Paris-Roubaix podium finish too his struggles adapting back to cyclocross.now, rumors are swirling that cyclocross royalty, Mathieu van der Poel, might grace the spring classics with his presence, perhaps even returning to the Tour of Flanders. To unpack the possibilities, we’re joined by none other than cycling legend Marianne Vos, a four-time World Cyclocross Champion and a seven-time winner of the prestigious Tour of Flanders.
Moderator: Marianne, welcome! It’s an honor to have you.
Marianne vos: Thank you! Always happy to talk cycling.
Moderator: Let’s dive right in. Van der Poel took a well-deserved break after Paris-Roubaix and faced some challenges coming back to cyclocross. How do you think those experiences might shape his decision on racing Flanders?
Vos: Well, Mathieu is incredibly talented, there’s no doubt about that. But even the best need time to recover and adjust.Shifting from road to ‘cross is always tough, physically and mentally. He might be taking a cautious approach, focusing on peaking at the right moment for the races that truly matter to him.
Moderator:
Certainly, peaking at the right time is crucial. Speaking of “right moment,” the Alpecin team has hinted at a possible return for him at Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali. Could this be a stepping stone to Flanders,a warm-up of sorts?
Vos: It could definitely be a good tactic. A stage race like Coppi e Bartali offers a good mix of terrain and intensity to test his form without the all-out intensity of a classic like Flanders. it’s a clever way to gauge his readiness without overextending himself.
Moderator: You know Flanders better than most, Marianne. How crucial would Van der Poel’s presence be for the race’s excitement and competitiveness?
Vos: Mathieu’s presence always elevates a race. He brings that aggressive, unpredictable style that keeps everyone on their toes. His past performances at Flanders, including his victory in 2020 and that heart-stopping second place last year, only add to the intrigue.
Moderator: The fans seem to love it too. We’ve already seen a lot of buzz online. Do you think his return would reshape the racing dynamic, potentially leading to bolder moves or different tactics from other contenders?
Vos: Absolutely. Someone like Kasper Asgreen, who edged him out last year, would definitely be looking over his shoulder. Mathieu’s presence forces everyone to rethink their strategies. He injects a level of uncertainty that makes for truly thrilling racing.
Moderator: Marianne, before we wrap up, what’s your gut feeling? Do you think we’ll see Mathieu van der Poel back on those Flanders cobblestones this year?
Vos: Based on his recent form and the hints from his team, I’d say there’s a very good chance. But ultimately, the decision rests with Mathieu and his team. Knowing him, he’ll only race when he feels 100% ready to fight for the win.
Moderator: That’s fascinating insight. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise with us, Marianne!
Now, we turn to you, our esteemed readers. Do you believe Mathieu van der Poel will grace the roads of flanders this spring? What impact would his return have on the race? Let us know in the comments below – we want to hear your thoughts!
