"He is definitely the fuel on the fire" - Mathieu van der Poel's teammate explains brutality of Alpecin-Deceuninck training sessions

Mathieu van der Poel is one of the undoubted stars of modern day cycling. With a palmares most riders could only dream of, the Alpecin-Deceuninck star has been a world champion on the road, in cyclocross and in gravel. But what are the keys to the Dutchman's success?

In an interview with WielerRevue, one of Van der Poel's teammates, Silvan Dillier explains how the brutality of the Alpecin-Deceuninck training sessions are like nothing he has seen before in his more than a decade long spell in the World Tour peloton. "Van der Poel is without a doubt the greatest rider I've ever been in the team with," Dillier, a former teammate of the the likes of Greg Van Avermaet and Thor Hushovd says warmly. "He's an inspiration to everyone in our team."

Now four seasons into his career at Alpecin-Deceuninck, Dillier has seen the team change over the years. "When I joined the team, it was almost every day," he laughs about the brutal training sessions. "We have become a bit calmer and train a bit more structured, but every now and then we can't hold back and the training explodes like it can happen in a race. Yes, it helps that Mathieu has changed a bit too, because he is definitely the fuel on the fire when it becomes a race. If he feels like playing, it doesn't matter what is on the schedule that day. If he wants to race on a quiet day, then it is a race."

As has been seen notable times over the years, this works well for Van der Poel as well. "The attack with which he decided Paris-Roubaix... That's just beautiful to see. For us too," Dillier recalls, noting how even in training, Van der Poel's teammates struggle to follow the wheels at times. "I would say that I have been able to push him to the limit, but of course I am not going to ride myself to death in one training session when there is still a whole training camp waiting. We always reach a point where we think: now it's enough."