Le Samyn roads "chock-full of campers from Belgium and the Netherlands" as impact of Mathieu van der Poel's start takes full effect

Somewhat surprisingly, Mathieu van der Poel is set to start his road season later this afternoon at Le Samyn. Despite the relatively last-minute nature of the former world champion's involvement, the impact of Van der Poel starting has seen a massive effect on the interest in the race according to organizer Philippe Liénart.

“Very happy," Lienard tells Sporza, when asked his feelings about Van der Poel's late choice to take on the Belgian one-day race. As it turns out though, the decision might not have been quite as last minute as some may have suspected. "There was initial contact with Alpecin-Deceuninck on Friday. This morning (Monday ed.) we received the good news that he is coming."

"With Van der Poel at the start there will be even more spectacle. He already participated four years ago, but broke his handlebars. So he still has a score to settle here," Lienart previews, looking excitedly towards a potential battle between Van der Poel, Arnaud De Lie and Paul Magnier. "A royal sprint between those 3 champions would be formidable. But I won't make a prediction, because then the opposite usually happens."

And as mentioned, the confirmation of the Dutchman starting has boosted Le Samyn massively. "De Lie would have brought many fans anyway. Magnier will attract many French people across the border. Van der Poel will make it all worse. Because everyone loves him: the Belgians, the French and the Dutch," the race organiser concludes. "The road is already chock-full of campers from Belgium and the Netherlands. It's going to be a great day."