"I think it would be better if he rode less" - Sep Vanmarcke enjoys the spectacle of Mathieu van der Poel's limited racing calendar

One of the biggest stars in modern cycling, Mathieu van der Poel draws big crowds and much attention whenever he takes to the startline of a bike race. Given his ambitions in various different disciplines of the sport though, his road racing calendar isn't quite as packed as some of his rivals.

"Van der Poel has planned 41 racing days this year," begins Belgian ex-pro turned Israel - Premier Tech sports director Sep Vanmarcke on the Sporza Daily podcast, noting the Alpecin-Deceuninck leader's somewhat limited race programme for the coming road season. "Of those 41, he will compete for the win 30 times. Would you rather have him ride 80 racing days with 5 extra chances for a win?"

According to Vanmarcke, part of the spectacle and excitement fans have to see Van der Poel race would be lessened if he did, for example, double his number of race days in a calendar year. "I think it would be better if he rode less, because he would always be very motivated at the start and provide a spectacle," explains the 36-year-old former Omloop Het Nieuwsblad winner. "Just look at Jonas Vingegaard. He also rides a minimal number of races and focuses on the biggest possible: the Tour de France."

When his 2025 calendar was revealed earlier this year, Van der Poel explained the thought process behind just a six-race programme. "I will start in Tirreno-Adriatico because this is the best preparation for Milano-Sanremo. And after that? The same as in previous years. I will not go to the World Championships. I will ride the Tour again. There are a few opportunities for me in the first week,” explained Van der Poel at his press conference. "Do I want to be the first to win the Tour of Flanders four times? It's like the Cyclocross World Championships: I'm more concerned with the race than with the record. Gent-Wevelgem will definitely not be this year. Dwars door Vlaanderen will also be decided later. I'd rather win the Tour four times than Gent-Wevelgem for the first time.”

Tirreno-Adriatico (March 10-16)
Milano-Sanremo (March 22)
E3 Saxo Classic (March 28)
Tour of Flanders (April 6)
Paris-Roubaix (April 13)
Tour de France (July 5-27)