“As a child, I thought Milan-San Remo was one of the most
beautiful races to watch, because you never know what can happen,” he said.
“Winning in the Velodrome is super special, but triumphing on the Via Roma is
more emotional. In San Remo, you just don't know you're going to win until
you're in the last few dozen meters. That makes it more special.”
Despite being a previous winner of Paris-Roubaix, van der
Poel admits he may hold Sanremo in even higher regard. Its suspense, the way it
unfolds in the final kilometres, and the sheer unpredictability of the finish
have all left a lasting impression on him.
While much of the attention centres on van der Poel’s
budding rivalry with
Tadej Pogacar, the Dutchman is quick to spread the
spotlight to other contenders, most notably
Filippo Ganna.
“Ganna is Ganna. In the last two or three editions, he was
already one of the strongest riders on the Poggio. He seems to be in super
condition. Ganna will definitely be there in the final. It is not just about me
and Pogačar.”
His respect for Pogacar is clear, but van der Poel plays
down any talk of personal rivalry, pointing instead to self-preparation and
acceptance of outcomes.
“To be honest, I have a very good relationship with Tadej, I
don't really think about rivalry at all. I try to be in the best possible shape
for competitions. And if he - like in the Tour of Flanders 2023 - is better,
then that is something you have to deal with. I couldn't change that myself,
because I knew that I had done everything to be in the best possible shape. If
a rider is better, then it is what it is.”
With his palmarès already overflowing, van der Poel could be
forgiven for taking a more relaxed approach. But his mindset remains as sharp
as ever, and he knows the level required to win again.
“I have reached an age where I have achieved almost every
goal I set for myself. And even more. Everything that comes now, I see as a
bonus. Of course I still want to try to win the biggest races on earth, or
another Monument. I am still super motivated. And I am very aware that I have
to be 110% fit to beat Pogacar. That is always a good motivation.”