Mathieu van der Poel prioritizes training on return at Druivenkoers - Overijse

Mathieu van der Poel had spent a large period of time away from competition after abandoning the Tour de France, but has returned to the peloton at Druivenkoers - Overijse yesterday with his eye on the World championships.

The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider has taken to the Belgian race with a favourite status, however his current form didn't see him fight for the victory. Instead the Belgian team rode for Jasper Philipsen who won the bunch sprint, however for fourth place as three riders managed to evade the peloton with Matis Louvel taking the win.

Van der Poel put in some work in the peloton to try and bring things back, but unsuccessfully. He finished the day in 35th place 50 seconds down on the winner. However after the race ended van der Poel did not take to the team bus, but instead took on another two hours of training - or 65 kilometers.

Eyeing the World championships, he's both working to get his best form but also endurance towards the Australian race which will feature 267 kilometers and over 4000 meters of climbing on the menu.