Mathieu van der Poel, the Dutch cycling star from Alpecin-Deceuninck, has expressed serious concerns ahead of the upcoming Tour of Flanders. With his eye on a second victory in the prestigious race, he knows the road to the top will be more challenging than ever this year, thanks to the return of Tadej Pogacar, the reigning champion.
At a media day in Denia, Spain, Van der Poel shared his ambitions for the season, specifically targeting the Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. The latter is especially significant as a win would make him the sole record holder for the race. However, the 28-year-old emphasized that he wasn’t focused on breaking records. “I mainly try to win the race,” Van der Poel stated, similar to his approach when he became the Cyclocross World Champion record holder. Despite this, the prospect of making history remains an underlying motivation.
However, the presence of Tadej Pogacar, who is returning to the Tour of Flanders in 2024, poses a serious challenge. Van der Poel acknowledged that Pogacar’s dominance in the past and his continued form make him a formidable opponent. “With Pogacar returning to the Tour of Flanders, it will definitely be a difficult race,” Van der Poel said. “But it is not impossible to beat him there. I have already beaten him, but that was a few years ago. He also dropped me two years ago on the Oude Kwaremont in the Tour.”
That incident two years ago, when Pogacar dropped Van der Poel on the famous Oude Kwaremont climb, remains fresh in the mind of the Dutchman. Although he had good legs that day, Pogacar’s strength proved too much. Van der Poel realizes that he will need to be at his absolute best, “110 percent,” to challenge Pogacar this time around.
UAE Team Emirates, Pogacar’s team, will also play a crucial role in shaping the race. Van der Poel noted the strength of the UAE squad, recalling their dominant performances in past editions of the race. “It will be difficult to get him into trouble with the team, because he has a very good team,” Van der Poel said. “Two years ago, they rode very hard to the foot of the Oude Kwaremont twice with UAE Team Emirates – XRG. The entire peloton was already at its limit then.”
One factor that could work in Pogacar’s favor this year is the updated course for the Tour of Flanders, which now features more climbing. Van der Poel recognizes that this suits Pogacar’s skillset and makes him even more difficult to beat. “Quite a few people forget that the new course of the Tour of Flanders has more climbing than the old course. That is also why Pogacar is doing so well there,” Van der Poel explained.
Despite the daunting challenge posed by Pogacar and his team, Van der Poel remains focused on his goal. He knows the task will be tough, but with his skill and determination, he will be giving it his all in the race. As the 2024 Tour of Flanders approaches, all eyes will be on this fierce rivalry, as Van der Poel and Pogacar go head-to-head for cycling’s biggest prize.
