Ramon Sinkeldam takes Mathieu van der Poel under his wing: "I have gained experience that I can pass on"

After opting for a new challenge, joining Alpecin-Deceuninck over the off season, the vastly experienced Ramon Sinkeldam now rides mostly in support of Mathieu van der Poel. The 34-year-old Dutchman is keen to pass on any knowledge he has gathered and help his younger compatriot develop.

Joining Alpecin-Deceuninck from Groupama-FDJ, Sinkeldam has adjusted well to life at his new team. "Of course with a new team you have new people around you, so that takes some getting used to, but I do feel at home," he tells In de Leiderstrui. "It's a very professional and structured team, so I'm good at that."

Read also

"I would still choose Mathieu" - Niki Terpstra laments absence of Dylan van Baarle at Tour of Flanders, chooses Mathieu van der Poel as possible winner

The oldest member of Alpecin-Deceuninck this season, Sinkeldam sees himself as something of a father figure and is keen to help the likes of van der Poel any chance he gets. "It's not that he's been trusted by me, not at all. But we are teammates and I think he takes something from me," says of his relationship with the recent Milano-Sanremo winner.

"That is not to say that I have any part in his victory in Sanremo, not at all," Sinkeldam clarifies. "But I have seen a few things in recent years and have gained experience that I can pass on."

Read also

Tadej Pogacar has a strategy to beat van der Poel and van Aert in Flanders: "I try to tire them out along the way"