Mathieu van der Poel has been this year performing a different task within Alpecin-Deceuninck, however one he's been thriving on: leadout for Jasper Philipsen. At the Tour de France, he is considering keeping up with this.
“We are already attuned to each other. Mutual trust is there. Jasper and I can communicate well enough to see who feels the best that day," van der Poel shared with In de Leiderstrui after yesterday's stage of the Baloise Belgium Tour. "Jasper has also indicated to go for the green. I would also like to help him with that. We just get along well. We will divide the chances fairly."
Whilst the Dutchman sprinted to second, Philipsen crashed and wasn't able to take part in the sprint. In the opening stage the duo collaborated perfectly to victory, as was the case on two occasions at Tirreno-Adriatico. There van der Poel used his raw power for a new role of leadout, and the success inspired that work to continue.
Whilst the Dutchman will pursue stage wins at the Tour de France, it is completely viable to take on both roles as he will not be aiming at the overall classification and in the mountains and time-trials will largely be saving his legs. He's racing the Baloise Belgium Tour this week so as to prime his form ahead of the Grand Boucle, and is at the time being a great contender for the overall win.
2nd for @mathieuvdpoel in @belgium_tour, today. @JasperPhilipsen was unable to defend his chances due to a crash 4km from the finish. Apart from some abrasions, Jasper is fine. Of course, our thoughts are also with @GinoMader. Strength to Gino and @teambahrain 🙏
