Heading into the Baloise Belgium Tour with both Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen, Alpecin-Deceuninck have plenty of options. According to Philipsen however, the team is fully backing van der Poel for the GC.
"Would I also aim for the final classification? Mathieu has worked hard on his time trial, so he will be our man for the general classification," Philipsen explained at the team presentation prior to the start of the Baloise Belgium Tour. "He also has a better chance than me in the Ardennes stage."
Van der Poel made his return to racing last week at Dwars door het Hageland. For him, the Baloise Belgium Tour is the next step on the road to the Tour de France. "Of course I start here with ambition," the Dutchman admits. "Together with Jasper Philipsen , who is also doing well and should also be able to go for the general classification, I think."
Philipsen also is looking to put the finishing touches on his Tour de France preparation. "This week I especially want to get our sprint train for the Tour de France back on track. I think there are three flat stages: Scherpenheuvel, Knokke and Brussels. Those are three rides that should suit me and that I want to go full for," he adds. "The final stage to Brussels with arrival under the Atomium has a high Champs-Elysées content. If I had to choose one, I would like to win that stage."
A small change in our lineup for @baloisebelgiumtour. @edwardplanckaert has to cancel due to illness. "I am bothered by sore throat and cough. Then as a team, we don't want to risk infecting someone who has to ride the Tour de France." Edward will be replaced by @senneleysen
