Mathieu van der Poel: "I am currently a shadow of myself and that is frustrating"

Mathieu van der Poel is known for his aggressive stance on racing, and explosive capabilities in the classics-like races. Today was the first opportunity for the Dutchman, who reported bad feelings on a day where he had targeted the yellow jersey.

"If they start racing quickly, it's really on the limit for me. It is not really positive, instead of a better day, I was worse today," van der Poel told Sporza. The Dutchman suffered a puncture throughout the day, but his 81st place in the stage into Arenberg was a sign that van der Poel did not appear to be at his best level.

"I am currently a shadow of myself and that is frustrating. I have no idea what it is. I am not really in the mood at the moment. In the stages in Denmark it was not really noticeable, but I already felt that I was not racing with surplus. If they start racing quickly, it is really at the limit for me," he describes.

After a long Giro d'Italia - coming after the classics campaign - and then a long stint of altitude before the Tour de France, it is possible that the Dutchman is suffering from the heavy load that he has put on in the several months in order to be competitive. General fatigue or illness may also be the culprit, however van der Poel has not shown the legs he was expected to today, a bad sign for the days to come where his best opportunities will arise - into Longwy and Lausanne.

Today was a day to forget for the Dutchman, who now focuses ahead. "I hoped for a slightly better day, but I soon felt that the weather was not working. I have not had the desired legs since the time trial. I hope it will come, otherwise it will be a long Tour," he pointed out. "I have not reached the level that I have in mind for a while. The only perspective is now to continue and hope that it will get better later."