Greg Van Avermaet stunned by Mathieu van der Poel's level at E3: "I have the impression that he is even better than in other years"

Greg Van Avermaet was in the center of action at E3 Saxo Classic, where he was present as on-field analyst on a TV motorbike. Up close he was impressed by Mathieu van der Poel.

"He had a very nice cadence and certainly did not stop. I have the impression that he is even better than in other years. That bodes well for De Ronde," he said from the motorbike to Flemish channel VTM.

Read also

“If you fear someone, that is never a good sign” – Mathieu van der Poel disappointed by Pogacar’s E3 Saxo Classic absence

What led Van Avermaet to this conclusion? "Well, the way he does it here, takes the initiative, makes the race and then comes back here alone. I find that quite impressive."

He simply does whatever he wants in the cobbled races: "At the moment, yes. He has that little bit of extra. Riding away from those men (Pedersen and Ganna, ed.) is not given to many. Pogacar may not be there, but I think this is the best Van der Poel we have seen and that he is really in top condition."

Pogacar. The name has been mentioned. What if he had participated? "I think this terrain suits Mathieu a little better and he prefers it even more than Milano-Sanremo. But of course you should not underestimate Pogacar."

Read also

Mathieu van der Poel is ready for Pogacar and Flanders - E3 Saxo Classic sees dominant win from Dutchman as Van Aert struggles

"It makes me sick sometimes" - Belgian legend believes hype surrounding Tadej Pogacar's Paris-Roubaix start highlights everything wrong with modern cycling

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate cycling experience—subscribe today for access to the latest cycling news

Subscribe