Jan Bakelants, former pro and now analyst in Belgium, is also a believer that it would've been better for Mathieu van der Poel to have both Wout van Aert and Mads Pedersen at the start of the Tour of Flanders. He explains why the unexpected may be Mathieu van der Poel's biggest fear now.
“That is a role that Alpecin-Deceuninck is not one hundred percent used to. Other teams that thought in advance that they could not do anything in the Tour are now also waking up," Bakelants said in words to Het Nieuwsblad. "And so I expect a very strange race in which surprises will happen.”
Bakelants argues that whilst with van Aert and Pedersen's presence, there would be clear rivals - and teams - to look at. However their absence (Pedersen not confirmed, but damage from the crash should be felt) opens things up for many riders in the battle for the podium. This could ultimately be very dangerous for the World Champion as now there are many more riders who can realistically fight for the podium or surprise with a good day.
“Maybe Kasper Asgreen will find a pair of good legs hidden away in a cupboard. And he can turn the underestimation that currently surrounds the team to his advantage," he points out. "At Lefevere, the riders who ruled these races three years ago are still there. Patrick is not at all happy with the way things are going now. But on the other hand, I don't think everything can be gone.”
Alpecin-Deceuninck do not have a collective with the strength of other teams, but at the same time van der Poel is used to attacking from far away, and the brutal route makes it more difficult to benefit from tactic racing - unlike Gent - Wevelgem and Dwars door Vlaanderen.
“Alpecin-Deceunick has the luxury of having a leader who usually has his plan and, if necessary, will solve it himself a hundred kilometers before the finish. It would have been easier for Mathieu van der Poel if nothing had happened," Bakelants believes. "Then there will be no asterisk behind his name if he wins, because Wout is not there. Which is lame, but still.”
💥This is it, our final selection for @RondeVlaanderen. With two-time winner @mathieuvdpoel as our absolute leader. Not included: @JasperPhilipsen. Nice to know: U23 world champion @laurance_axel makes his debut in ‘Vlaanderens Mooiste’ 🤟 More info on instagram.com/p/C5GNn7bNjRW/
