Dutch pundit convinced Mathieu van der Poel will surprise in Zurich: "He has a better chance than he lets us believe"

One of the nice things about World Championships is that you can never know the outcome. While climbers who perform well in the classics are forecasted to shine in Zurich.

Analyst Michiel Elijzen notices something else about Van der Poel, as he says in the podcast In het Wiel. "I saw a photo of Mathieu van der Poel. The Tour de Luxembourg is of course not comparable to the World Championship, but I think he is damn sharp."

"He has a narrow mouth, it looks really tight. I think he had a lot of fun in that jersey and that he secretly thinks he has a better chance than he lets us believe."

The course is tough, but there are no really long or steep climbs in the local circuit. "With a really good day he can do that. Only yes, you have to get rid of Pogacar and Evenepoel. That will of course be a tough job. Even though they have also been in good shape for a long time. They have been performing at such a high level for so long, you have to keep that up."

The former sports director also gives Van der Poel a chance. "Those speculations beforehand are the charm of a World Championships. You have to be able to climb well, but also be a good one-day rider. These are riders who surpass themselves in one day, and Mathieu can do that of course. He is certainly not without a chance. He looks extremely healthy and strong."