Mathieu van der Poel adds Scheldeprijs to calendar ahead of Paris-Roubaix: "A race in my own region is nice"

Scheldeprijs is a sprinter's classic but this year it is getting more than that. It was not in his initial plan, but Mathieu van der Poel will be present at the Belgian race as he seeks to help Alpecin-Deceuninck to victory.

The flat race does feature some cobbled sectors where he could test his form, but intentions seem clear that he will be working for the collective: "A race in my own region is nice. Some extra race rhythm in the run-up to Paris-Roubaix is always good and besides, I'm looking forward to try to help - as in Tirreno - our sprinter Jasper Philipsen," van der Poel told.

The partnership was incredibly successful in Italy, as Philipsen took two stage wins and was the overwhelmingly stronger sprinter in the race overall. He's won the Classic Brugge-De Panne as well in the meantime and rode to fourth at Dwars door Vlaanderen last year. They will be joined by Ramon Sinkeldam as a leadout specialist. Lionel Taminiaux, Jonas Rickaert, Robbe Ghys and Senne Leysen conclude the lineup for the Belgian team.

Alpecin-Deceuninck for Scheldeprijs: Mathieu van der Poel, Jasper Philipsen, Jonas Rickaert, Ramon Sinkeldam, Robbe Ghys, Senne Leysen and Lionel Taminiaux.