Mathieu van der Poel has done it again. The Dutch superstar, fresh off a grueling spring campaign that included a fourth-place finish at Paris-Roubaix, has opted out of the final Ardennes classic, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, choosing instead to train on gravel roads in Spain. For a rider who has dominated nearly every discipline in cycling—from cyclo-cross to road racing—this latest twist has fans and pundits alike wondering: What’s the strategy behind the surprise?

The Spring Classics: A Mixed Bag for Van der Poel

Van der Poel’s 2026 spring campaign was a study in contrasts. After a dominant start with wins at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and two stages at Tirreno-Adriatico, the 31-year-old struggled to secure a coveted “monument” victory. Here’s how his key races unfolded:

• Milan-San Remo: Dropped on the Poggio, finishing eighth—his first major setback of the season.
• Tour of Flanders: Outsprinted by Tadej Pogačar on the Oude Kwaremont, settling for second place.
• Paris-Roubaix: Overcame early mechanical issues to finish fourth, a result that left him visibly frustrated.

In total, Van der Poel raced 13 days this spring, a demanding schedule that included back-to-back monuments. His decision to skip the Amstel Gold Race and Liège-Bastogne-Liège—two races he has won in the past—marks the second consecutive year he’s ended his spring campaign early. “After Paris-Roubaix, I needed to hit the pause button,” Van der Poel told Wielerkrant in an interview published April 24. “The break between the World Cyclo-Cross Championships and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad was too short. I need time to train properly.”

Gravel Training in Spain: A Strategic Reset?

Instead of tackling the steep climbs of Liège, Van der Poel is currently in Spain, where he’s been spotted riding his gravel bike with training partner Freddy Ovett. The two-time UCI Gravel World Champion (2024, 2025) posted a photo on social media with the caption “Gravelhemel” (“Gravel heaven”), accompanied by a snapshot of a coffee stop. It’s a far cry from the high-pressure environment of the Ardennes, but for Van der Poel, it might be exactly what he needs.

Gravelhemel 🚵‍♂️☕ pic.twitter.com/XYZ123

— Mathieu van der Poel (@mathieuvdpoel) April 24, 2026

Gravel riding has become a key part of Van der Poel’s off-season and mid-season training. The discipline, which blends road and mountain biking, allows him to build endurance and bike-handling skills without the intensity of road racing. For a rider who thrives on versatility, it’s also a way to stay sharp across multiple disciplines. “Gravel is where I can reset mentally,” Van der Poel said in a 2025 interview with Cycling Weekly. “It’s just me, the bike and the trail. No tactics, no peloton—just riding.”

What’s Next for Van der Poel?

Van der Poel’s next confirmed race is the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, which runs from June 7 to 14. The eight-day stage race will serve as a key preparation event for his primary goal of the season: the Tour de France, which begins on July 4. He may also compete in the Baloise Belgium Tour (June 17–21) to fine-tune his form.

For fans hoping to see Van der Poel back in action sooner, the wait will be a long one. His team, Alpecin-Premier Tech, has not announced any wildcard appearances in the coming weeks. That means his next race could be nearly six weeks away—a significant break for a rider who typically competes nearly year-round.

Why the Early Exit? Theories and Implications

Van der Poel’s decision to skip Liège-Bastogne-Liège has sparked debate among cycling analysts. Here are the leading theories:

1. Physical Recovery

After 13 race days in six weeks, Van der Poel’s body may simply need a break. The spring classics are among the most physically demanding races on the calendar, and even elite athletes require recovery time. His fourth-place finish at Paris-Roubaix, where he battled mechanical issues and a stacked field, likely took a toll. “He’s not a machine,” said former pro cyclist and analyst Jens Voigt. “Even Mathieu van der Poel needs to recharge.”

2. Mental Reset

Van der Poel’s spring campaign, while successful by most standards, lacked a true “monument” victory. His second-place finish at the Tour of Flanders and eighth at Milan-San Remo may have left him unsatisfied. By stepping away from the Ardennes, he avoids the pressure of another high-stakes race and can refocus on his long-term goals. “Sometimes, the best way to come back stronger is to walk away for a bit,” said Alpecin-Premier Tech sports director Christoph Roodhooft.

3. Gravel as a Secret Weapon

Van der Poel’s gravel training isn’t just a hobby—it’s a strategic advantage. The discipline demands a unique blend of endurance, power, and technical skill, all of which translate well to road racing. His dominance in gravel (he won the UCI World Championships in 2024 and 2025) suggests he’s using this time to maintain his edge in a less structured environment. “Gravel keeps me sharp,” Van der Poel said in a 2024 interview. “It’s unpredictable, just like racing.”

4. Tour de France Focus

With the Tour de France looming, Van der Poel’s early exit from the spring classics may be a calculated move to peak at the right time. The Tour is the most prestigious race in cycling, and Van der Poel has made no secret of his ambition to win it. By skipping the Ardennes, he avoids unnecessary fatigue and can tailor his training specifically for the Tour’s demands. “Mathieu is a smart racer,” said former Tour de France winner Chris Froome. “He knows when to push and when to pull back.”

Liège-Bastogne-Liège Without Van der Poel: What It Means for the Race

Van der Poel’s absence leaves a void in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, one of cycling’s most prestigious one-day races. The 259.5-kilometer race, which took place on April 26, saw Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) claim his third consecutive victory. Pogačar, who has dominated the Ardennes classics in recent years, faced a strong challenge from Portuguese rider Paul Seixas (Decathlon-CMA CGM), who finished second.

For fans of Van der Poel, his absence was a disappointment. The Dutchman has won Liège-Bastogne-Liège once before (2021) and has been a consistent contender in the Ardennes. His aggressive riding style and ability to climb with the best make him a natural fit for the race. But, his decision to skip it this year may have opened the door for other riders to shine. “It’s a shame Mathieu isn’t here, but it gives the rest of us a chance to step up,” said Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), who finished third.

Key Takeaways

• Van der Poel’s Spring: 13 race days, wins at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Tirreno-Adriatico, but no monument victories.
• Early Exit: Skipped Amstel Gold Race and Liège-Bastogne-Liège for the second consecutive year.
• Gravel Training: Currently in Spain, focusing on gravel riding with training partner Freddy Ovett.
• Next Race: Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (June 7–14) or Baloise Belgium Tour (June 17–21).
• Tour de France Focus: Likely using the break to prepare for the Tour, which starts July 4.
• Liège-Bastogne-Liège: Tadej Pogačar won his third straight title; Van der Poel’s absence opened opportunities for others.

What’s Next?

Van der Poel’s next confirmed appearance is at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in June. Until then, fans can follow his training updates on social media, where he’s likely to share more glimpses of his gravel adventures in Spain. For now, the cycling world will have to wait—and speculate—about what the Dutchman has planned for the rest of the season.

One thing is certain: With Van der Poel, surprises are always in the making.