The test of Mathieu van der Poel in the mountain biking at the end of May in Nove Mesto turned out to be a failure. Annemiek van Vleuten is strict about the preparation of the Dutchman.
At the end of May, Mathieu van der Poel again participated in a competition in mountain biking after a year and a half. In September Van der Poel wants to make a shot at the world title and Nove Mesto was a first test.
However, it did not end well. Already after three minutes Van der Poel fell when he wanted to catch up with another rider, after six minutes he went on the washboard. In addition, he even ran a small break on the wrist.
Should Van der Poel take an example of Pieterse?
His preparation for Nove Mesto was limited. “He said very laconically: I touched that bike once. Then I think: that is just not possible. The sport has now become too specialized,” says Annemiek van Vleuten at The big record.
“I find it almost respectful to the other mountain bikers to just participate. You can’t just do it.” According to Van Vleuten, Van der Poel has to take an example of Puck Pieterse.
“She tackles it a lot of thunder. She does a full mountain bikeblok in the middle of the road season, takes her MTB on altitude training, and travels to competitions well in time. Maybe Mathieu should call her.”
