Mathieu van der Poel enters the 2024 Tour de France with only 7 race days this year. A very small schedule but one that led to lots of success in the spring; the World Champion now looks to build on a success story at the Tour alongside Jasper Philipsen once again just as what happened last year.
"I'm doing well. I have had a long, but good preparation behind me. There was no time pressure and that made it relaxing," van der Poel said yesterday in an interview with Sporza. "I would rather race a bit more, but this is the new cycling. With the cyclo-cross season, it has already been a long spring." The Dutchman helped Philipsen win Milano-Sanremo, whilst winning himself the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix double, alongside E3 Saxo Classic and a podium at Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
Last year at the Tour he didn't have his best legs to chase a stage win at the Tour, but found himself in the role of leadout man for Philipsen which worked to perfection, as the Belgian brought no less than four victories and the green jersey to Paris.
"After Liège, I needed time and I am happy with our approach. The Tour has not always been successful for me, but I am looking forward to it," van der Poel added. "Our approach has been slightly different and I feel good about that. We will see if it pays off. The first stage is on the edge. A doubtful case, but I would rather say no. And the second stage is too difficult anyway."
Philipsen, who's also had the best spring of his career, will be looking to replicate last year's absolute success at the Grand Boucle. "I do feel a slight pressure to try to write another success story. That is certainly not easy. My preparation has been similar and I feel ready to shine again. Am I nervous? No, we still have some time and the Tour lasts a while. There are always opportunities."
He was questioned on whether he has his best form after being outsprinted by Arnaud De Lie at the Belgian national championships this past weekend, but the Alpecin-Deceuninck leader shrugs off his second place. "Beaten? Van Aert was also beaten, Merlier too and many others. I am not too worried. Arnaud [De Lie] was very strong. I think I am in just as good shape as last year. It is not an exact science, more of a feeling, but I think everything is fine," he concluded.
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