“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
CyclingWednesday, 22 July 2026 at 10:30
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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- Cool story bro, love your work. 😘
Andrew22-07-2026 - I’ll take my tongue out my cheek for the next few comments.Andrew22-07-2026
- Evanapoel is certainly on a high. Stage 18 is going to be interesting.Cyclingsbestfan22-07-2026
- Or he could go to UAE and develop there, but I am a fan of UAE and Pogi so my view is biased. Pogi would be his good mentor, and Seixas could take over in 2030, when Pogi retires, after winning TdF 9X. :))mus-musculuspeedypogigonzales22-07-2026
- I always know what you're thinkng. I also know what your twin brother, frieder3, is thinking. Oh you poor souls, I pity both of you. You should both eat fatty fish salmon, for omega-3s, and blueberries for antioxidants. They do wonders :))mus-musculuspeedypogigonzales22-07-2026
- I agree with your general complaint but in this case you have no idea, details fail. Could just as well have been a fan who wanted to ask an autograph, got scared when he crashed into them so rode off. Also, a little silly to call everyone scumbags, some are just completely ignorant or absent-minded and other times we riders are actually also at fault or provoking other users into dangerous manoeuvres. The way some road racers ride it’s no wonder people start hating us. That said, when I last visited the Tour, it was. Tudor van that almost got a group of cycling spectators killed with an overtaking manoeuvre on the way home. You should then remember that stories like THAT have almost ZERO chance of media attention so in the end all that happens is we are left with an extreme biais on reality. To compound, much of the driving in the Tour is unnecessarily dangerous towards spectators and much of the spectating is unnecessarily dangerous towards itself. Conclusion, almost the majority of the population could fall under your definition of scumbag.Jumpyjohn22-07-2026
- Pretty sure Ineos fans are confined to a very specific subset of a another subset.Jumpyjohn22-07-2026
- Do you also wonder about Rwanda? When was the last time Pog was TT WC?Jumpyjohn22-07-2026
- Talk about BS spewing from the mouth - the BS yellow jersey goes to you Duchenne Pogi Fan Boy. I love how you know what everyone is thinking, or at least think you know what they are thinking.Andrew22-07-2026
- UAE need not worry, no balls Remco has already given up.abstractengineer22-07-2026
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