Lido di Camaiore, Italy – Just three days removed from sharing the podium at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Dutch cycling stars Mathieu van der Poel and Tim van Dijke are already back in training together, continuing a partnership that blossomed throughout the winter in Spain. The pair were spotted completing a training ride on the Oesterdam circuit on Tuesday, a detail shared by van Dijke on social media.
The connection between van der Poel, riding for Alpecin-Deceuninck, and van Dijke, representing Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe, extends beyond competition. Their frequent training sessions throughout the off-season have clearly translated into on-course synergy, as evidenced by their shared success at the season-opening Belgian classic. This collaborative spirit is particularly noteworthy given the often-competitive nature of professional cycling, where teams typically guard training regimens closely.
Van Dijke Reflects on Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Podium
Van Dijke’s second-place finish at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad marked a career highlight for the young rider. He finished just 22 seconds behind van der Poel, and 24 seconds ahead of Florian Vermeersch, securing a coveted spot on the podium. “It feels like winning,” van Dijke said after the race. “You are second, but Mathieu is of course a class apart. I hadn’t thought I could do this.”
The 2026 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad saw van Dijke strategically positioned within the leading group alongside van der Poel and Vermeersch. He was able to capitalize on a strong finish, demonstrating his growing prowess in the cobbled classics. The race unfolded on a challenging 207km route featuring 12 hills and eight cobbled sections, mirroring much of the course used in the Tour of Flanders.
Van Dijke similarly spoke about the strong rapport he shares with van der Poel, noting their frequent training sessions in Spain. “We often are in Spain and train every day with a group, where I have been with them a lot this year. That is very nice: you train many hours together and then you automatically work together. Eating out together and things like that.” This camaraderie clearly extends beyond the bike, fostering a mutual respect and understanding that likely contributes to their on-course effectiveness.
Tactical Nuances at the Omloop
The dynamics of the race itself revealed interesting tactical considerations. According to analysis from cyclinguptodate.com, when van der Poel, Vermeersch, and van Dijke established themselves as the strongest trio, van Dijke’s team, Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe, instructed him not to contribute to the pace-making. The priority was to conserve energy and reassess the situation after navigating key climbs like the Berendries and Tenbosse, leveraging the team’s remaining riders further back in the peloton.
This decision, while tactically sound, also shaped the race’s finale. Vermeersch, who did contribute to the pace, ultimately cracked on the Muur van Geraardsbergen due to mechanical issues, leaving van der Poel to ride solo to victory. Van der Poel himself narrowly avoided a crash on the Molenberg, skillfully maneuvering around a fallen rider, a moment he described as chaotic but crucial to maintaining his momentum. “I don’t recognize how I managed that,” van der Poel said, as reported by The Guardian. “It was chaos. I unclipped and position my foot down to avoid the head of the Tudor rider then I managed to get back into the rhythm. This was the key moment of the race.”
Looking Ahead to Tirreno-Adriatico
Both van Dijke and van der Poel are now focused on the upcoming Tirreno-Adriatico, a seven-stage Italian stage race beginning Monday with a time trial in Lido di Camaiore. This race will serve as a key preparation block for the spring classics season. Van der Poel, a former winner of Tirreno-Adriatico, typically doesn’t compete in Strade Bianche on the Sunday preceding the race, suggesting his full focus is on the stage race.
Van der Poel acknowledged van Dijke’s performance at the Omloop, stating, “I train often with Tim and know him well. He is also on the podium, and people sometimes forget that. He is rewarded for his performance with a podium in the Omloop and that is really worthwhile.” This sentiment underscores the mutual respect and collaborative spirit between the two riders, even as they compete for individual success.
The continued training partnership between van der Poel and van Dijke suggests a growing synergy that could yield further success in the coming weeks and months. Their combined efforts will be closely watched as the spring classics season unfolds, with both riders poised to challenge for top honors.
Next Up: Tirreno-Adriatico begins Monday, March 9th, with a time trial in Lido di Camaiore, Italy. Stay tuned to Archysport for full coverage of the race.
