"There are only five riders who can follow him if Mathieu unleashes his devils" - Gianni Vermeersch praises his leader Mathieu van der Poel

Last year, Mathieu van der Poel won two monuments, came second in the Tour of Flanders. The Alpecin-Deceuninck leader cannot do without strong helpers, such as Belgian Gianni Vermeersch, who was interviewed in RIDE magazine.

Vermeersch has been racing alongside Mathieu since ten years ago and so he knows very well what to except from his leader. Peace and tranquility are the key words. "Especially because Mathieu himself never panics. Or at least that he doesn't give that impression. I have actually never discovered anything that could make him nervous during the race."

Van der Poel sees being part of an anticipatory group as the greatest added value for his teammates. "But it is Mathieu himself who often unexpectedly breaks open a race early," Vermeersch laughs. "And then you have to be honest: in the best case there are only five riders who can follow him if Mathieu unleashes his devils."

"Don't worry about his motivation," Vermeersch reassures. "Mathieu loves racing. He can decide for himself how he finishes races, to keep it enjoyable for himself. He always makes something special out of it. I remember a Primus Classic. There he broke open the race at a point where I thought: 'What is he doing again?!' He just did it because he liked it."