SAN BENEDETTO DEL TRONTO, Italy – Mathieu van der Poel’s dominant, yet arguably self-serving, performance at the final stage of Tirreno-Adriatico has sparked debate within the peloton, even among his own Alpecin-Deceuninck teammates. The Dutch superstar’s aggressive ride, designed to inflict maximum pain on his rivals, has solidified his status as the overwhelming favorite for next weekend’s Milan-Sanremo, but likewise raised eyebrows regarding team tactics and priorities.
The final stage, expected to culminate in a bunch sprint, instead saw Van der Poel launch a blistering attack on the final climb and maintain a punishing pace through the subsequent flat kilometers. This relentless effort fractured the peloton and left even his sprint lead-out man, Jasper Philipsen, struggling to maintain pace. The display of power and determination was undeniably impressive, but according to fellow rider Oliver Naesen, it was driven by a distinctly individualistic motivation.
“Purely Self-Serving”
“It was impressive, but his action was purely out of self-interest,” Naesen told the HLN Podcast, offering a candid assessment of Van der Poel’s strategy. Naesen, who was competing in Tirreno-Adriatico himself, witnessed the unfolding drama firsthand. He revealed that the intensity of Van der Poel’s effort prompted audible protests from within the Alpecin-Deceuninck team.
“You could hear teammates shouting at him to stop and slow down,” Naesen said. The incident highlights a potential tension within the team dynamic, as Van der Poel seemingly prioritized a personal demonstration of strength over a collective pursuit of a stage win for Philipsen. This isn’t the first time questions have arisen about Van der Poel’s focus; reports from earlier in the week suggested a similar prioritization of individual glory.
Even as the tactic may have frustrated some within the peloton, it undeniably showcased Van der Poel’s exceptional form. He secured two stage victories during the week-long race, but it was his relentless attack on the final day that truly captured attention. Naesen emphasized the sheer dominance of Van der Poel’s performance throughout Tirreno-Adriatico.
Impressive Form Fuels Milan-Sanremo Expectations
“He rode Tirreno impressively the whole time. He really made us suffer,” Naesen stated. This sentiment was echoed by Greg Van Avermaet, a close friend of Van der Poel, who was also a guest on the HLN podcast. Van Avermaet noted the difficulty of Van der Poel’s performance given his physique, stating, “I thought it was one of the best Mathieus I’ve ever seen. We mustn’t forget he’s racing against climbers on gradients that, given his weight, are also a disadvantage for him. To still have reserves there and the desire to attack—that says a lot.”
The combination of raw power, tactical acumen, and apparent willingness to push himself to the absolute limit has led Naesen to declare Van der Poel the clear frontrunner for Milan-Sanremo. “He has convinced me that he is the number one favorite to win Milan-Sanremo,” he asserted. The “Cipressa legs” – a reference to the grueling climbs on the course – were clearly on display at Tirreno-Adriatico, suggesting Van der Poel is well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
Milan-Sanremo, known as “La Primavera” (The Spring Classic), is one of cycling’s most prestigious one-day races. The 298-kilometer course, stretching from Pavia to Sanremo, features a series of challenging climbs before a speedy, technical descent to the finish line. Van der Poel’s ability to both climb and sprint makes him a formidable contender, and his recent form suggests he is peaking at the right time.
The question now is whether Van der Poel can translate his individual brilliance into a team victory at Milan-Sanremo. While his aggressive style may sometimes ruffle feathers, it’s clear that he is a rider capable of dictating the terms of a race and forcing his rivals to respond. His performance at Tirreno-Adriatico served as a stark warning to his competitors: Mathieu van der Poel is a force to be reckoned with.
The cycling world now turns its attention to Milan-Sanremo, scheduled for Saturday, March 21st. All eyes will be on Van der Poel to notice if he can convert his current form into a coveted victory at “La Primavera.” The race promises to be a thrilling spectacle, and Van der Poel is undoubtedly the rider to watch.
Archysport will have full coverage of Milan-Sanremo, including live updates, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews.
