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.”