Take a look inside how Mathieu van der Poel prepared for Paris-Roubaix glory

Mathieu van der Poel made history earlier this year by securing back-to-back victories at Paris-Roubaix. As the 2025 edition of the “Hell of the North” looms on the horizon, can Van der Poel make it three wins in a row?

The preparation for a race as brutal as Paris-Roubaix goes beyond physical training, it requires a full team 100% committed to the goal.Van der Poel’s Alpecin-Deceuninck teammates offered insight into the team’s approach, their mindset, and the routine leading up to one of cycling’s most iconic events.

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The calm before the storm

Paris-Roubaix begins well before the riders roll onto the cobblestones. The team’s day starts early, with breakfast serving as both a physical and mental preparation ritual. Oscar Riesebeek explained to Wieler Revue, "I was up between seven and eight, I think. Early, but I’m a morning person. Mathieu is someone who often wakes up early, Gianni too. Usually the sprinters are more into sleeping in."

Despite the early start, the team maintains a relaxed environment. "There is always a nice and relaxed atmosphere," Riesebeek continued. "If there is that one person who has a bit more trouble in the morning, he will quickly join in the atmosphere of the group."

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For Gianni Vermeersch, the early start is less of a hurdle. "I woke up around half past six. I am indeed someone who wakes up quickly. Not someone who needs another hour, because I have energy right away," he shared. His breakfast companion, Jasper Philipsen, has a different approach. "Jasper is the one who can sleep the longest and is the last to have breakfast. The day before the race, he can also sleep quite long in the afternoon to be fully rested at the start," Vermeersch noted.

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Ahead of Paris-Roubaix, the team ensures every detail is covered, though the strategy itself remains straightforward. "Paris-Roubaix is an easy race: you have to be at the front of every cobblestone section," Vermeersch explained. He credited their reconnaissance and preparation for their confidence on race day. "We had done a good reconnaissance and were also in a hotel the last three days before the race. That ensures that you know exactly how and what in the briefing."

For experienced riders like Vermeersch, nerves aren’t as much of a factor, but the importance of equipment can add an extra layer of tension. "Material is so important in that race. That makes me a bit more nervous," he admitted. Still, the team’s camaraderie helps ease the tension. "On the bus we cheer each other up, with a bit of music, but in any case everyone is extra motivated for a race like Roubaix. Especially because our classics core is so close."

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