Teams & Riders The "MVP" Mathieu Van der Poel Road Discussion Thread

[Aimar16]

It is surprising to me that he plans to go to Paris even if in an eco mode. Maybe if nothing goes right in the first two weeks (yellow jersey or stage win) he'll target stage 19. But if the first half of the Tour is successful, why waste energy?

 

[Axel Hangleck]

Just do like Sagan at the Rio Olympics. Interpret the starting signal as the point where you may cross the start line, not the point where you may begin to ride.

There's a big difference between the Olympics and Worlds......probably another 100 riders to pass.

 

[dazaau]

It is surprising to me that he plans to go to Paris even if in an eco mode. Maybe if nothing goes right in the first two weeks (yellow jersey or stage win) he'll target stage 19. But if the first half of the Tour is successful, why waste energy?

He may just want to finish a tour, it has to be done at least once. However I too am a bit concerned about the potential cost of finishing this year given how close worlds is.

 

[Berniece]

He may just want to finish a tour, it has to be done at least once. However I too am a bit concerned about the potential cost of finishing this year given how close worlds is.

A lot of people seem to think this is the best preparation. Same goes for Jumbo and Wout Van Aert.

 

[Didinho]

He wants to finish the Tour, go for stages. Time enough in between to take it easy and be fresh for the Worlds. He has only 13 race days, a longer and better preperation now with altitude camps. It works for a lot of teams like this with less racing and more training. He did it before the classics for the first time and we know how that went.
An exciting month ahead for the fans, after a long break.

For the XCC he will still be in super form. Even if he has to start way back and without specific MTB training I expect him to be up there in the top 10.

 

[stonerider]

A lot of people seem to think this is the best preparation. Same goes for Jumbo and Wout Van Aert.

MvdP has shown time and again that he doesn't recover as well as Wout from these stage races. Everyone responds differently to training stimulus. He was crushed after the 2022 Giro and when he rode the Tour in 2021, got the yellow jersey, and rode hard to defend it as long as possible it f'd up his Olympic MTB bid because his mind and body wasn't in the right place.

 

[jono]

Belgium Tour canceled. Does MVDP find something else to do as prep before TDF?

 

[QueenStagiaire]

Belgium Tour canceled. Does MVDP find something else to do as prep before TDF?

Only the women‘s race has been cancelled according to cyclingnews

 

[Bonimenier]

Belgium Tour canceled. Does MVDP find something else to do as prep before TDF?

I don't think he was planning to ride the women's race.

 

[kingjr]

Belgium Tour canceled. Does MVDP find something else to do as prep before TDF?

The one for women, no?

 

[Panda Claws]

Guys guys it's just the women's race that has been cancelled!

 

[jono]

Sorry all. Maybe next time I should read the article and not just the headline.

 

[EddyMazzoleni]

MvdP has shown time and again that he doesn't recover as well as Wout from these stage races. Everyone responds differently to training stimulus. He was crushed after the 2022 Giro and when he rode the Tour in 2021, got the yellow jersey, and rode hard to defend it as long as possible it f'd up his Olympic MTB bid because his mind and body wasn't in the right place.

That's a rather interesting interpretation of what happened that day.

 

[staubsauger]

Van der Poel never had the base to ride the Tour de France after the Giro d'Italia. As simple as that.

His spring preparation probably was ideal to be sharp during both the classics and the Giro d'Italia which seemed impossible for years before.

But the light racing & training in spring certainly took it's toll on him when wanted to do back to back grand tours additionally.

 

[gregrowlerson]

Good to see this thread active again, but there is someone missing.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Good to see this thread active again, but there is someone missing.

I can only hope you're talking about Senna.

He's thinking about riding the NC TT. Will be interesting if he really goes for it in the TDF TT, where he can finish.

 

[senna6541]

I can only hope you're talking about Senna.

He's thinking about riding the NC TT. Will be interesting if he really goes for it in the TDF TT, where he can finish.

Been a bit busy with work lately Logic, and of course things have been quiet around MVDP - which is great for a change. If he can stay healthy and avoid crashes there are big things ahead. Looking forward to watching the race tomorrow on GCN.

 

[tobydawq]

Imagine if he wins nothing before the Tour, no stages in the Tour and then becomes world champion.

That would be three wins for the season, all major wins.

 

[Red Rick]

Imagine if he wins nothing before the Tour, no stages in the Tour and then becomes world champion.

That would be three wins for the season, all major wins.

Hard to imagine him not winning anything in Belgium. He's indicated pretty strongly he doesn't wanna race for training miles alone

I'm curious for his climbing shape in the Tour.

 

[tobydawq]

Hard to imagine him not winning anything in Belgium. He's indicated pretty strongly he doesn't wanna race for training miles alone

I'm curious for his climbing shape in the Tour.

Agreed, I don't find it realistic either.

 

[KZD]

Imagine if he wins nothing before the Tour, no stages in the Tour and then becomes world champion.

That would be three wins for the season, all major wins.

With two monument wins and a World title it would still be his best road season ever.

 

[Barkintheeye]

With two monument wins and a World title it would still be his best road season ever.

It would be anyone’s best season EVER

 

[Bolder]

It would be anyone’s best season EVER

Or, ahem, a monument, a GT and the WCRR...hmm, wonder if that's been done recently?

 

[QueenStagiaire]

Or, ahem, a monument, a GT and the WCRR...hmm, wonder if that's been done recently?

Or two monuments and the Tour… hmmm, I think that was done recently. Or Giro/Tour/Worlds, I‘m sure that was never done??

 

[Unchained]

Have to wonder about his bike and what the change out interval for cassette and chain.. couldn't tell for sure but didn't look like the Shimano service wheel was a perfect fit..personal experience with an almost new chain and cassette and there was a little jumping on the neutral service wheel that was said to be new,unused..