"It will be a very big challenge for Mathieu, but not impossible" - Van der Poel backed to challenge for Rainbow Jersey in Rwanda by Dutch coach

The 2025 World Championship course in Rwanda is one that opens the door for pure climbers to contest for the Rainbow Jersey. With almost 5,500 meters of elevation, it's set to be a real test for the peloton. Despite not being renowned for his climbing capabilities, could Mathieu van der Poel still contest for the victory?

In conversation with Wielerflits, Dutch national coach Koos Moerenhout certainly pushes forward the idea that Van der Poel can compete against the likes of Tadej Pogacar on such a climber-friendly course in Africa. “I certainly believe that he has a chance,” Moerenhout points out. “But what is of course the most important thing in this: does Mathieu believe that himself? In any case, I will report back to him what I saw in Rwanda.”

The course is arguably on the limit of Van der Poel's climbing capabilities. If he arrives at his very best level though, the Dutchman can contend insists Moerenhout. "At the end of the day, you have all those altitude meters on the counter. That does take its toll," he explains honestly. "For the typical classics rider who is working towards the Flemish spring... It will be a very big challenge for Mathieu, but not impossible."

As evidence of Van der Poel's potential capabilities, Moerenhout points to the Dutchman's third placed finish behind Tadej Pogacar and Ben O'Connor at the 2024 World Championships. “It was also said in advance that Zurich was too difficult for Mathieu. He still managed to pull a strong bronze medal out of the fire and actually only ran into an outstanding Tadej Pogacar," he recalls. "Mathieu can handle a lot. But not all courses are the same. This one definitely involves more climbing. That is not necessarily tailor-made for Mathieu. But on the other hand: difficult is also possible. However, it is mainly a decision that he has to make himself. I can only tell him what I saw and what I experienced.”

“The facts are as they are. And Mathieu believes in them, or not," Moerenhout concludes. "I do not expect it to be a difficult process at all. I would also be satisfied with 'no'. Mathieu is not someone who goes to a World Championship to participate, he goes there when he sees opportunities. If he does not see that or he makes other choices, such as mountain biking, then you have to respect that too. That would also be better placed than for the World Championship in Zurich.”