The pair went head-to-head in a few Spring Classics earlier this year with van der Poel taking the win at Milano-Sanremo and Pogacar victorious at the Tour of Flanders. "You have to fight hard in the race, but you have to be able to be correct next to it. We also often run into each other, it's a small world," the
Alpecin-Deceuninck rider explains.
" A week later you have to fight each other again," van der Poel continues. "There are a few assholes in the peloton, but the riders who ride in front have less than riders who have to fight for it. I think that is partly due to our role as an example.”
So what of the Tour de France? As mentioned, van der Poel has ambitions of taking the Maillot Jaune in the Basque Country and is also expected to team up with teammate
Jasper Philipsen.
“I like to do the lead-out of Jasper but not always what comes before,” says Van der Poel. “You always have to be attentive because that is not without risk. It's wringing and positioning, so watch out. However, it is necessary to make yourself wide, otherwise you will not get to the front. I think I'm a good lead-out for Jasper. I can go full on from him and it just clicks well. Is he my best buddy in the race? He is definitely one of my best friends.”