In the wake of his triumphant performance at the recent Milano-Sanremo, Mathieu van der Poel from Alpecin-Deceuninck is gearing up for the E3 Saxo Classic as he returns to Belgium. This race is a key prelude for cyclists eyeing a strong showing in the prestigious Tour of Flanders, which follows shortly after. Van der Poel’s current form positions him favorably, but his ambitions extend beyond just the Spring Classics and into the broader realm of cycling competitions this season.
The Dutchman, renowned for his prowess across multiple cycling disciplines, is not only a seven-time cyclo-cross world champion but also a road racing world champion, having claimed the title in Glasgow in 2023. His ongoing rivalry with compatriot Wout van Aert is set to intensify at the E3 Saxo Classic, where both cyclists will undoubtedly look to establish dominance. The anticipation surrounding their encounter speaks to the high stakes and competitive nature of this particular race.
While Van der Poel’s achievements in cyclo-cross and road cycling are impressive, he has articulated aspirations to conquer the discipline of mountain biking, aiming for an elusive title that he feels is the final piece of his cycling career puzzle. In his own words, he expressed, “It would be really cool to become world champion mountain biking one day. That feels like the last piece of the puzzle of my career.” He recognizes that, should he retire without winning this title, it would remain a significant gap in his otherwise decorated resume. Thus, the mountain biking world title becomes a focal point as he looks to solidify his legacy even further.
With the MTB World Championships scheduled to take place in Switzerland on August 30, Van der Poel is actively strategizing his approach. He stated, “It is an ideal moment to focus on mountain biking again and to make the world title a big goal after the Tour de France.” His well-laid plans include participating in several World Cup races if they can be incorporated into his busy schedule. Given that the Tour de France concludes on July 27, he has a month to transition effectively to mountain biking ahead of the championship event.
His intention to shift focus is complemented by the fact that another top mountain biking talent, Tom Pidcock, appears to be prioritizing road racing after moving to Q36.5 Pro Cycling, thereby opening the competition landscape for Van der Poel. This dynamic could potentially work to Van der Poel’s advantage as he seeks to claim the mountain biking title.
As for the immediate challenges ahead, the E3 Saxo Classic is set to provide a formidable test of his abilities. This 209-kilometer race involves a route that is emblematic of the challenges cyclists face in preparation for the Tour of Flanders. The nature of the course, with its hilly terrain leading to a flat finish, poses exciting possibilities. Nonetheless, the ambient weather could play a role in determining the outcomes, making tactical decisions critical in any inclement conditions.
Van der Poel enters as the defending champion, having claimed victory in a stormy edition of the race last year, where he capitalized on a significant crash that affected Van Aert’s performance. Notably, Tadej Pogacar, also a strong contender and competitor, will not participate in the E3 Saxo Classic as he has opted instead for the Gent-Wevelgem race. The competition will still be fierce, with formidable challengers like Mads Pedersen from Lidl-Trek and Filippo Ganna from Ineos Grenadiers also in contention.
As anticipation builds for the E3 Saxo Classic, fans eagerly await the unfolding of the next chapter in this season’s cycling saga, particularly as Van der Poel continues to pursue his diverse ambitions across the cycling spectrum. Whether it is defending his title in this classic or eyeing another world championship title in mountain biking, his journey is one that showcases the relentless spirit and dedication of a true champion.