“I needed this with an eye on the classics" - Mathieu van der Poel heads to Milano-Sanremo full of confidence despite missing out on Tirreno-Adriatico stage win
CyclingSunday, 16 March 2025 at 17:47
Mathieu van der Poel had an interesting if unspectacular outing at Tirreno-Adriatico this week. Although a stage win ultimately wasn't on the cards for the Alpecin-Deceuninck leader, he does nevertheless head to Milano-Sanremo with his confidence levels boosted.
"I feel good, which is a victory in itself considering the weather of the past few days. I needed this with an eye on the classics," Van der Poel assessed of his feelings in conversation with Sporza, ahead of Sunday afternoon's final stage of Tirreno-Adriatico 2025. "It's a shame I couldn't win a stage. That was the goal. I had a few good days. But it didn't work out. An extra stage win in Tirreno wouldn't change my palmares much, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't have liked to win. I came close too."
Van der Poel did indeed come close, finishing 3rd on stage 4 and 2nd on stage 5. "I think I found the extra percentages I was looking for here," Van der Poel says happily, although he does note that one of the stars of Tirreno-Adriatico 2025 has also sent out a Classics warning. "In this Tirreno it was mainly Filippo Ganna . He has already proven that he is a candidate winner for Milano-Sanremo."
As for his other potentially standout rivals for the coming weeks, Van der Poel produces two candidates. "Mads Pedersen is also in good shape in Paris-Nice. And then Tadej Pogacar is still at home," the former world champion concludes, revealing what's to come for himself in preparation for Milano-Sanremo. "Mainly rest and occasionally provide a stimulus during training. I feel ready for what is to come."
On the final stage, Van der Poel was again active, actually getting himself into the day's early breakaway. Again though, he was denied a stage win as Jonathan Milan eventually prevailed from a bunch sprint in the finale.
Sur la dernière étape de #TirrenoAdriatico, promise sur le papier aux sprinteurs, Mathieu van der Poel et Kevin Vauquelin ont pris l'échappée. Ils sont accompagnés par Lucas Hamilton, Manuele Tarozzi et Bjoern Koerdt. 21e hier, le Français est 12e du général à 1'52 de Juan Ayuso. pic.twitter.com/yRqHiAfAvf
— Le Gruppetto (@LeGruppetto) March 16, 2025
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- Wout is an absolute warrior. Trek bossed them all. And JV was nowhere. That being said Id love to see wout winning he’s such a good guy. The giro is long so here’s hoping. I don’t like this article that he should be happy with 2ndmij10-05-2025
- Ineos pretend Thymen's loss is not a big deal, but I don't think this is a good sign. I hope Bernal is fit, would be good for him to have another shot at normal life.Ride197410-05-2025
- To finish second to Mads Petersen in a photo finish, after such a chaotic first stage where Lidl-Trek controlled the race to perfection, while the Visma team was conspicuouly absent, is nothing to be ashamed about. During the interview, Wout was visibly spent, more so than Mads.. but I felt he was more a victor than a loser, given the circumstances. I'm excited to see what Wout will do in this Giro.FredMan10-05-2025
- I feel for Spain. Landa was one of their only two realistic GC hopes.Ride197410-05-2025
- Since the TT has a lot of sharp turns, does that perhaps play in Mads' favor, since he can sprint out of corners faster than many?Ride197410-05-2025
- The point of the article is well taken. Don’t judge a riders grand tour results after one stage. But he is slowly becoming a regular second.mij10-05-2025
- I’m disagreeing with the headline and tone of the article. I don’t even see Wout quoted. And he doesn’t offer excuses. My comment stands. He has no wins in his cobbled monuments. And is second too many times. And shouldn’t accept these results.mij10-05-2025
- Hey, Wout is one of the least excuse seeking riders out there, read the article again and let’s wait and see over the 3 weeks. Also a bad sign if you’re willing to give up on him faster than himself.Mistermaumau09-05-2025
- No more than Primoz at the TdFMistermaumau09-05-2025
- Sorry but Iagree more with the article at this point of the season. Had Mads not had a perfect lead-out it would have been a done deal already.Mistermaumau09-05-2025
I don't think MvDP has to worry about Filippo Ganna winning San Remo. His bike handling skill was subpar and couldn't descend Poggio without being overtaken and distanced by skilled daredevils.
MVDP usually knows how and when to peak, people read too much into some races. While back a big thing was made out of Pidcock beating Wout only for a reversal in the more important next race.
I cannot understand what you wrote. I think you made some typos or something.
Not really, the long version:
I tend to agree, also I wouldn’t read too much into MVDPs lack of stage wins compared to years ago, he was never far. MVDP usually knows how and when to peak, people read too much into some races. While back, a big thing was made out of Pidcock beating Wout only for a reversal in the more important next race. Does it make more sense now?
yes