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

[Berniece]

We already suspected it after the CX season but TA confirmed his great form. He's ready for his beloved 3 monuments and we should have some great battles of apex predators (vs Pogacar). Obviously MVP is #1 favorite for MSR and Roubaix and Pogacar's task of completing the set is looking very very hard.

His form is looking really really good. Dutch speaking riders that were interviewed after TA said he's flying

 

[canina82]

He is flying specially on the hills. I still think he will not win MSR due to tactics but I don't expect Pogacar to win too

 

[Krzysztof_O]

He is flying specially on the hills. I still think he will not win MSR due to tactics but I don't expect Pogacar to win too

Pogacar & UAE attacking is a good tactic for Van der Poel as fast riders who could threaten him at the finish are eliminated. Matthieu is in control both uphill and downhill.

 

[Barkintheeye]

Pogacar & UAE attacking is a good tactic for Van der Poel as fast riders who could threaten him at the finish are eliminated. Matthieu is in control both uphill and downhill.

Yup, MVDP is the one who has the most to gain if UAE and other teams tries to destroy the field. It's perfect for him going away with Pog and potentially one other rider like Ganna last year. Always a risk that the others get it right but a large field sprint is much worse. This year Pog looks scary strong so I believe UAE will go for another massive attack on Cipressa and put their bet on brute force rather than some elaborate tactical scheme.