Jasper Philipsen explains his chemistry with Mathieu van der Poel: “I never call Mathieu lead-out, I find that disrespectful in his case”

Mathieu van der Poel is perhaps the greatest classics rider of his generation, and maybe the very best all-round rider we’ve ever seen. But, over the past few editions of the Tour de France, van der Poel has become more of a domestique for his team, who’s priority has been winning the sprint stage with Jasper Philipsen. Whilst van der Poel has been heavily involved in most of Philipsen’s nine Tour de France stage wins, most fans are desperate to see the Dutchman rip up the Tour the same way he does the spring classics. After all, a man as talented as Matheiu van der Poel should have more Tour de France stage wins than just the one, which he won back in 2021.

Speaking to De Telegraaf, Philipsen shared his thoughts on his partnership with van der Poel, "On a personal level, we got along right away and in the race we also noticed that we understood each other quite quickly. I felt at ease within the team right away and we have fun together, which is also very important to me.

“I never call Mathieu lead-out, I find that disrespectful in his case,” says Philpsen, who clearly recognises van der Poel’s talent goes far beyond the role of a lead out man at Alpecin-Deceuninck. “He likes to do it and is probably the best in the peloton, but he is so much more than that. In most races that Mathieu rides, he is our leader. The great thing about him is that when he sees little or no chance of winning, he likes to do something for the team.”

“Mathieu makes it easier for me to win, yes, but you have to be a good sprinter to be able to finish his preparatory work. In addition, it gives quite a lot of pressure when a great champion like him sacrifices his own chances for me,” Philipsen continued.

With the route for next year’s Tour now announced, Philipsen has his eyes set on claiming the yellow jersey on the flat stage one. But he’s also got his eye out for his teammate van der Poel, who could target some of the hill stages in the first week.

“There are opportunities for both of us, although I don't know if Mathieu will be there,” Philipsen said. “I would like to ride, but my program is not yet known. If we both compete, I am certainly prepared to support him in any way.”