Milan-San Remo champion Mathieu van der Poel is receiving advice to prioritize recovery after revealing a hand injury sustained during the prestigious one-day race. Former cycling great Tom Boonen has cautioned the Dutch star against participating in upcoming races like Gent-Wevelgem and E3, citing the potential for further complications and the importance of preserving fitness for larger objectives. This comes as Van der Poel himself acknowledged his physical condition following his historic victory on Saturday.
Boonen’s Warning: A Hand Injury Easily Underestimated
Boonen, speaking on the LSRF podcast, emphasized the seriousness of Van der Poel’s injury. “I saw his hand, and it was swollen. I fear it’s worse than we reckon,” he stated. The concern stems from Boonen’s own experience with hand injuries during his professional career. He recounted a past incident where a fall resulted in exposed tendons requiring stitches, ultimately leading to an infection despite continuing to race in inclement weather. “Hands are incredibly important for a cyclist,” Boonen added, expressing hope that Van der Poel’s injury isn’t as severe as it appears.
The Hidden Dangers of Flemish Roads
Beyond the immediate concern of the hand injury, Boonen highlighted an additional risk factor present in races held in the Flemish Ardennes region of Belgium: the unpredictable road conditions. With forecasts predicting wet weather, Boonen warned of the presence of mud and manure on the roads, a common occurrence during the spring cycling season. “People don’t realize that in Flanders, you ride through wet manure. Farmers have been working, and the muck is on the road,” he explained. An open wound, he cautioned, becomes highly susceptible to infection in such conditions.
‘You Really Should Avoid That’
Given these factors, Boonen is unequivocal in his advice. “Especially with wounds, racing in the rain is not recommended. An infection can happen quickly, certainly five days later,” he said. The risk of complications is simply too great, particularly with major races like Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders looming on the calendar. “You really should avoid that,” Boonen stressed.
Should Van der Poel Skip Gent-Wevelgem and E3?
Boonen believes Van der Poel’s focus should be entirely on the cycling Monuments – the most prestigious one-day races in the sport. “I wouldn’t have ridden Gent-Wevelgem and E3,” he stated firmly. “Especially with Roubaix and Flanders on the program. I wouldn’t risk it.” This advice underscores the delicate balance between competitive ambition and long-term health, particularly for a rider aiming for success in the most demanding races of the season.
Van der Poel’s victory at the 2025 Milan-San Remo, defeating Filippo Ganna and Tadej Pogačar in a thrilling sprint finish, cemented his status as one of the sport’s top riders. It also marked the second time he’s won the race, adding to his impressive collection of seven Monument Classics victories – equaling Pogačar but still trailing Eddy Merckx’s record of 19. The win came after a period of intense training, with Van der Poel himself stating he felt in “one of my best moments of form ever.”
The Alpecin-Deceuninck team’s success continued, completing a three-peat in Milan-San Remo following Van der Poel’s 2023 win and Jasper Philipsen’s sprint victory in 2024. This achievement echoes the dominance of the Molteni team in the early 1970s, who won the race three consecutive times with Michele Dancelli and Eddy Merckx.
However, the potential impact of the hand injury raises questions about Van der Poel’s ability to maintain that form and compete at his peak in the upcoming weeks. The decision of whether to rest or race will undoubtedly be a crucial one for both the rider and his team.
For fans following the spring classics season, the situation with Van der Poel adds another layer of intrigue. The coming races promise to be fiercely contested, and the health of one of the sport’s biggest stars will be a key storyline to watch. The next confirmed checkpoint for Van der Poel remains uncertain, pending evaluation of his hand injury and a decision on his participation in future events.
What do you think? Should Van der Poel prioritize rest and recovery, or attempt to race through the pain? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
