Mathieu van der Poel took a look at Bilbao today. He explored the last 50 kilometers of the final of the opening stage on Saturday.
“It was as I expected: it’s really difficult, it flirts with the limits of what I’m capable of,” the Dutchman admitted.
“A lot also depends on the race situation. You can still return after the last climb in the final, but the last 500 meters are also tough again.”
2 years ago, Van der Poel won yellow at the Grand Départ in Brittany. He then won the second stage on the Mûr-de-Bretagne.
“The Basque Country is still heavier than Brittany. It will be tight, but I will try. Although it will be difficult to follow the real punchers and climbers.”
Van der Poel repeated once again that he is a link in Jasper Philipsen’s train.
“I won’t do it every day, but certainly if I feel good. I don’t go for green myself. I’m not busy collecting points when we go for a sprint with Jasper.”
“We have already proven that we know what to do. We have confidence and for me there are still strong guys on the train.”
Van der Poel is certainly a lot fresher than last year when he had already ridden the Giro.
“We made a plan at the end of last year and so far it has worked out well from the start of this season. Hopefully there will be a follow-up here.”
But after the Tour, the World Cup will soon follow. Will the Dutch limit their energy consumption?
“That World Cup is certainly a main goal, but reaching Paris has also become a small goal. So finishing is the intention.”
Jasper Philipsen does not hide his ambitions from Van der Poel’s team. He has set his sights on the green.
“Although a stage victory is of course the most important thing”, he emphasized. “You automatically collect a lot of points.”
“And if Wout van Aert doesn’t go for it as he says, it will increase the chances for us. It is very difficult to beat him, especially with such a lead as last year.”
It is a tough tour. “Sure, but I see 8 flatter stages of which 6 stages could be a sprint.”
“There are enough rides to try something, but it will have to be fought for. We are prepared for the harder work.”
At the Belgian Championship last Sunday, top favorite Philipsen played no role. “That shouldn’t be a reference.”
“These were extreme conditions. I didn’t feel sick, I just had an off day. I hope for better legs here.”
2023-06-29 14:23:13
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