“That's crucial for the preparation for the Tour” – Mathieu van der Poel believes the Dauphine is the secret for more Tour de France glory

Mathieu van der Poel will line up for the Critérium du Dauphiné this Sunday, using the week-long race as a key step in his build-up to the Tour de France, despite still recovering from a broken wrist.

The Dutch rider, who stormed to victories at Milano–Sanremo and Paris–Roubaix earlier this spring, has only one Tour stage win to his name, dating back to 2021. That is something he hopes to change this summer, and the Dauphiné is now central to his preparation.

Van der Poel has been able to train “reasonably well” in recent weeks, according to Alpecin–Deceuninck team boss Christoph Roodhooft, but he hasn’t been at full capacity.

“Mathieu was very motivated to do everything possible to be able to ride,” Roodhooft told Sporza. “Despite a painful wrist, he tried to train.”

“It didn't work out optimally, but still very well. Some days are better than others, but Mathieu was able to handle it mentally well. All in all, it wasn't too bad, because it could have been worse.”

The decision to add the Dauphiné to his calendar came after reflecting on last year’s Tour de France, when Van der Poel appeared to lack sharpness in the opening stages. Whilst Van der Poel has been crucial in helping Jasper Philipsen in the sprints, we have not seen the very best of the Dutchman on his own.

“Last year, we had the idea that he lacked some competition rhythm in the first week of the Tour,” Roodhooft said. “That's why we want to approach it differently now with the Dauphiné added. That was in danger of falling away due to the broken wrist.”

Van der Poel was clear he didn’t want to arrive at the Tour cold, but instead ready to attack at full gas. “That was a foregone conclusion,” Roodhooft said. “That's why it's important that he can still participate in the Dauphiné. That's crucial for the preparation for the Tour.”

While expectations remain realistic, Van der Poel is not attending the Dauphiné to merely ride anonymously in the bunch.

“What he can do in the Dauphiné, where he will also find a number of interesting stages on his path, is still the question,” said Roodhooft. “Whether he can be successful right away is something else. But he is there not to miss that competition toughness. If he sees a chance to win one of the first stages, he will of course not let that pass.”