As the 2025 cycling season rolls on, most riders have already started their campaigns. However, Mathieu van der Poel, one of the sport’s most decorated riders, has yet to begin his season. The Dutch powerhouse is set to make his first appearance in the Tirreno-Adriatico, starting on March 10. This late start has already sparked plenty of discussion, with cycling analyst Jan Bakelants offering his thoughts on what it might mean for Van der Poel’s goals this spring.
Bakelants, a former rider turned commentator for HLN, has been providing insights on the Tour of the Algarve, where Wout van Aert is one of the key participants. In a recent broadcast, Bakelants shared his thoughts on Van der Poel’s ambitions, which are expected to be a major talking point as the season progresses.
A New Focus for Van der Poel
While Van der Poel has already made it clear that the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix are his primary objectives this spring, Bakelants believes there’s another key race that Van der Poel is eyeing up. According to Bakelants, the choice to start his season in the Tirreno-Adriatico indicates that Van der Poel has his sights set on winning Milan-Sanremo, one of the sport’s prestigious “Monuments.”
“You can deduce from that choice that he has set his sights on a second victory in Sanremo,” Bakelants remarked during the broadcast. This would be a significant goal for Van der Poel, who already has a stellar record in the sport and is aiming for more glory in the coming months. The timing of his preparation points directly to Milan-Sanremo, and Bakelants believes that Van der Poel’s strategy might give him an edge.
Free to Focus on Sanremo
Bakelants also noted that last year’s victory by Jasper Philipsen in Milan-Sanremo could play a pivotal role in Van der Poel’s approach. “He’s won that one now too, so Van der Poel might get a free pass to go for a second victory,” Bakelants explained. With Philipsen securing his win, Van der Poel may no longer feel the need to prioritize his teammate’s chances. Instead, he could fully focus on his own race, potentially giving him the freedom to aim for a second victory in the Italian classic.
Beyond Sanremo, Bakelants suggested that Van der Poel could also have Paris-Roubaix on his mind, continuing his pursuit of one of cycling’s most iconic titles. “He probably has his eye on Paris-Roubaix,” Bakelants added, implying that Van der Poel’s strategy could involve peaking at just the right time to challenge for multiple victories in the spring classics.
As the season kicks off and Van der Poel prepares for his debut in the Tirreno-Adriatico, all eyes will be on how his early choices play into his grand ambitions. With his focus on key races like Milan-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix, Van der Poel seems primed to make a statement. Bakelants’ analysis suggests that, despite the late start, the Dutchman may already be plotting his path to further cycling glory.
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