“Honestly, we very quickly decided not to risk everything" - Mathieu van der Poel on why he eased off in the Tour de France time trial
Cycling
Mathieu van der Poel is clear about one of his key targets in the closing stretch of the Tour de France 2026. After all but tiptoeing through the stage 16 time trial, the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider said the whole team saved energy with the finish in Voiron in mind, a course he sees as ideal for both himself and Jasper Philipsen.
After a solid ride against the clock at the recent Tour de Suisse, many expected Van der Poel to chase a big result in the French TT. The world champion, however, made clear that was never the intention.
Van der Poel told In de Leiderstrui that the team’s plan shifted from the outset once they analysed the time trial route.
“Honestly, we very quickly decided not to risk everything. Everyone saw it was a very hard time trial. It was beautiful and normally a route like that would suit me, but as a team we chose to focus on tomorrow.”
That “tomorrow” was stage 17, a rolling day with a demanding start and an explosive finish in Voiron that fits the Dutchman’s profile. “We definitely see opportunities. For me and for Jasper, although it will depend on how the race unfolds.”
Van der Poel noted it is one of the last real chances to take a win before Paris. “It’s the last big opportunity before Paris and we want to make the most of it.”
Van der Poel: “It will be a very tough stage”
The Alpecin-Deceuninck leader expects a battle from the flag drop. “It will be very tough, but not just for us. I think it’s the last chance for many riders chasing a breakaway.”
He said the opening kilometres could completely shape the day. “The first 50 or 60 kilometres are very hard. After that the route eases quite a bit. Everything will depend on how the race develops.”
Despite the fatigue after more than two weeks of racing, Van der Poel said he still feels in great shape. “I think I’ve had a good Tour. I hope to keep this level until Sunday and then we’ll see what happens.”
The Dutchman feels he has managed his efforts far better than in other editions of the Grande Boucle: “In hindsight, I distributed my energy very well. On stages where I had no goals I simply tried to finish with the main group.”
That strategy has left him fresher for the decisive days. “I’ve probably saved more energy than in other years and I’m satisfied with how everything has gone.”
Mathieu van der Poel, Alpecin-Premier Tech star.
The green jersey does not change the plan
Although Jasper Philipsen is still fighting for the points classification, Van der Poel admits the team’s chances have shrunk considerably. “Without Pedersen’s bad luck it would be a very difficult story.”
Even so, he says they will fight to the end. “I don’t think that possibility is still very realistic, but you always have to keep fighting.”
Van der Poel also discussed the new route for the Tour’s final stage, which will include a passage over Montmartre before the finish on the Champs-Élysées. Although the layout could suit his characteristics, the Dutchman admits to mixed feelings. “On the one hand it’s an opportunity for me, but on the other it might go against my own interests.”
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The world champion especially regrets that the sprinters will lose their traditional chance to shine in Paris. “It’s a shame there won’t be a classic sprint on the Champs-Élysées. I’ve always thought it was a fair reward for the sprinters after making it over all the Tour’s mountains.”
With the Voiron stage underlined in red and the novel Montmartre finale still to come, Van der Poel tackles the final week convinced he can still close the Tour with another victory.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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- many people advise him to grow slowly and rather do giro and/or vuelta instead of tdf. but i can totally understand that he is not satisfied with taking over once pogi declines, but instead beat him in his prime. so if he goes for tdf again, i‘m all for it. let‘s hope that pogi recovers soon!Ketterechts07-11-2026
- So gracious to offer something no-one would be prepared to pay for. The Giro is not the Tour and doesn’t command the same interest or attract the same “elite” (those willing to pay to be a part of something they consider has ego boosting potential). Roadside viewing will always largely remain free for everyone outside circuits. Introduction of a symbolic entrance to mountain climbs is worthy of exploration. Asking 1-2€ isn’t going to repulse real fans (most will spend 50-100€ on their outing that day all things included) but will prevent a portion of the total knobhead thrillseekers who will join in any large gathering as long as it’s free, just because they’re attracted to crowds, without which it it difficult for them to work up their anti-social behaviour.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- How is radio going to help when someone went over a cliff or bridge or off the roadside into a forest unnoticed and is laying there unconscious?Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Yep, next we’ll be accusing F1 drivers of avoiding Le Mans.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- But on what is that opinion based? Are you holding him to a different standard than others? Are you saying he should do learn to like something he doesn’t Are you saying he hasn’t achieved enough Are you saying he pretends to be better than his results? It’s actually a really strange opinion to oust if you consider it objectively or rationally. Try applying it to others or yourself by asking if not EVERYONE should then be doing more? Nobody in athletics or swimming gets criticism for not expanding their repertoire when a rival or someone else does. In fact, most who move to another event get accused of running from their rival. Opinions are boring, the reasons behind them are what count.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- for a medical chief to throw things like is just bad. There are already radios which were banned for spectacle. allow radios. Gps trackers are not a complete solutionabstractengineer07-11-2026
- Yeah man...PogiSloFans07-11-2026
- any rider less than 25 whether they are really ready for the position of leadership of GT is probably not the case. I think Pogi himself suffered when he was defeated by Jonas in the TDF twice. But that would be the team's job to ensure support so that they can bounce back. It requires a team and time to get back up and win after getting knocked down.abstractengineer07-11-2026
- I'm very glad he got the big late Quickstep Vuelta win and I hope he has a few left for Euskaltel-Euskadi.flyer07-11-2026
- My memories of Ivan Basso aren't good but I liked his sister Elisa ok.flyer07-11-2026
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