18/06/2023

"I don't think I can get much better than this level" - Mathieu van der Poel ready for Tour de France after explosive Baloise Belgium Tour victory

Mathieu van der Poel chose to stay in Belgium to prepare for the Tour de France racing wise, after a few days of competition he has found great form and has taken a convincing solo win at the Baloise Belgium Tour whilst already in the lead of the race.

“It was mainly a choice because I can ride at the intensity here,” the Dutchman told Wielerflits after his triumph. “In Switzerland there are many climbing stages, while here we can ride for the win every day with the team. I am glad we made this choice. The past teaches me that this kind of effort makes me better. I am a rider who needs that course hardness.”

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The hilly and punchy days is why he has opted to not race either Dauphiné and Suisse, whilst in Belgium he faces other classics riders and sprinters who will be present at the Tour. Although competition was more modest, he managed to defend his race lead in yesterday's queen stage, and then attack into a solo victory from far out.

“Everyone was sitting on their gums. The intention was to drive away with a few men, but no one joined. I had a nice gap right away. Then it was a very thankless task to continue on my own on the wide roads. I didn't look back, but purely rode the wattages that I knew I could keep up with until the finish. In the end it was still a long way to the finish.”

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His gap eventually came down as Thibau Nys tode to second place out of the first chasing group, but both stage and overall win were in the pocket. He still has to get through today's stage which should end in a sprint, but he has achieved what he hoped for.

“I don't think I can get much better than this level. I will mainly have to rest for the coming period. Next week the national championships on the road will be on my program. Normally I can get a small benefit from my altitude training in the coming period. But my level won't get much higher than it is now. I think I'm right on schedule," he concluded.