Dutch coach confirms Mathieu van der Poel's absence at European Championships: "We will start with a different dynamic"

Netherlands delivered the new world champion in Glasgow with Mathieu van der Poel. The European road championship is in their own country, but the home country does not seem to be among the top favorites there. The leaders from Scotland will be absent, Koos Moerenhout tells WielerFlits.

"I build my selection around an explosive rider, although there are many cards on the table. That's because you have to look at who is still in shape, who can ride a good program in preparation for the European Championship, things like that. The challenge is a bit more difficult, because the championship has been swapped with the World Championships this year."

Of course I have a selection in mind, but not all positions have been filled yet. I aim to have that done by the end of this week. That depends on whether I have been able to reach everyone and whether what I have in mind is possible," says Moerenhout.

"In any case, Van der Poel and Van Baarle are both not starting. This means that we will start with a different dynamic, which also offers opportunities to other riders. That will certainly happen. It is also nice to do that at a European Championship, which is also a very important race. But we don't have the top favorite."