Sven Nys has no doubts about Mathieu van der Poel's ambitions for Dwars door het Hageland: "There is no doubt that he has set his sights on winning"

Co-commentator and expert for Sporza on the region Sven Nys looks ahead to Dwars door het Hageland marked by Mathieu van der Poel's return to competition for the first time since Paris-Roubaix.

"The competition, as it is now structured, has a fantastic final," Sven Nys does not hide his love for his region. "I'm a fan of that race. In the big loop there are nice gravel strips along the Demer, where people can very easily see the peloton pass several times."

"Mathieu will be the common thread through that course," Nys thinks. "When will he untie his devils? He's got a strong squad of men he can send ahead."

"You don't know how he will feel after a long time without competition. But he is a champion and he has already won that race. There is no doubt that he has set his sights on winning."

Nys tries to justify van der Poel's extraordinary approach to Tour de France preparation, skipping both traditional choices - Critérium du Dauphiné and Tour de Suisse. "Mathieu is someone who likes to race and goes on the attack. These races are ideal for that. Moreover, it is close to home. Riders are already abroad a lot, so that certainly plays a role."