Tour de France stage 1 "flirts with the limits of what I'm capable of" - Mathieu van der Poel

Mathieu van der Poel could win the first stage of the Tour de France and take on the first yellow jersey. A difficult scenario to put together, however a possible one for the Dutchman who will look forward to the explosive finale.

He, as many riders have upon arriving in Bilbao, has ridden a recon of the finale of the opening stage. "It was as I expected: it's really difficult, it flirts with the limits of what I'm capable of," he tells in a press conference this afternoon. "A lot also depends on the price situation. You can still return after the last climb in the final, but the last five hundred meters are also tough.”

After winning the Baloise Belgium Tour where he performed in the hills, he should be in great form. The climb, which features a grinding steep section, will suit better the climbers, or likes of Julian Alaphilippe or Tom Pidcock who are lightweights. Van der Poel, a heavyweight, could struggle, but in return has better chances in a sprint if that is to happen in Bilbao.

“The Basque Country is still heavier than Brittany. It will be tight, but I'll try. Although it will be difficult to follow the real punchers and climbers," he continues. Stage two is slightly different and less sharp, however the profile does allow for attacks and a first change of yellow jersey.

Van der Poel will have this as a big goal throughout the Tour de France, one where he will be chasing stage wins, but also look to play a big role in the leadout of Jasper Philipsen, a partnership which has worked quite well this week.

“I won't do it every day, but certainly when I feel good. I don't go green myself. I'm not busy collecting points when we go for a sprint with Jasper. We have already proven that we know what to do. We have confidence and for me there are still strong guys on the train."