As it turns out, Van der Poel fans might actually have something to thanks
Lars Boven for, as it was his initial withdrawal from the lineup that paved the way for the former world champion to make his return. “Somewhere last week, at the table in Spain, they asked if anyone wanted to ride Le Samyn, and I put my hand up. They thought it was a joke at first, but I was serious," explains Van der Poel. "For my form, it is most profitable to start racing now.”
“It is always my ambition to win. Today too. But we will see. My first races of the season are often not my best,” the
Alpecin-Deceuninck star concludes, insisting that regardless of the result this afternoon, he won't be challenging Tadej Pogacar and co at the upcoming
Strade Bianche. “That wasn’t in the planning anyway. Le Samyn wasn’t either of course, but after this race I’ll be training at altitude again. This is the only change in my program.”