"What do I get enjoyment out of these days? Not very much" - Mathieu van der Poel needing patience as Tour route fails to offer him opportunities
CyclingFriday, 10 July 2026 at 19:15
Whilst in the spring classics Mathieu van der Poel cannot be removed from the headlines, at the Tour de France that is not always the case. After a 2025 where the classics specialists got plenty opportunities, this year's route almost exclusively focuses on the climbers and sprinters once again. In the midst of this, the Dutchman is having to be patient.
A route without explosive stages that suit van der Poel
“I didn't reach the level I wanted to achieve. I can't help it. I had a good preparation, sometimes you just have to be a little patient," van der Poel shared in words to Wielerflits before the start of stage 7.
The hilly Grand Depart in Barcelona saw him aim high at the team time trial, but without a collective that could challenge the big teams. Stages 2 and 3 proved to be too fast and difficult for him, having to abandon his ambitions of winning a stage.
The following day did provide an opportunity, but he could not find himself in the day's breakaway. "Of course, the stage Mads Pedersen won was a real opportunity. But I just didn't have the legs there. Otherwise, I think you guys are smart enough to see that there are few other opportunities for me.”
Stages 5 and 7 were focused on the pure sprinters whilst the sixth day of racing was one of survival over some of the Pyrenees' most iconic climbs.
Mathieu van der Poel has been rather absent from the action thus far at the Tour de France
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“Hopefully, when the next opportunity arises, I can stand at the start line with a better feeling and give it a try,” he continued.
“What do I get enjoyment out of these days? Not very much, haha. Hopefully, I'll get a bit of a better feeling and be able to race a bit. I was already a bit better on Thursday. I'm just trying to stay as calm as possible.”
This Friday afternoon the Dutchman was valuable to the leadout of Jasper Philipsen, however the latter couldn't finish it off in Bordeaux, and had to settle for a fifth place at the finish line. Stage 8, if successful, could change the outlook of the race for both.
In Ussel, van der Poel may have his best chance of the race to win, as the peloton takes on a hilly day scattered with short climbs. If not there, perhaps only in Paris will the 'king of Roubaix' truly have a chance to raise his arms in glory this July.
Rúben SilvaEditor-in-Chief
A founding contributor to CyclingUpToDate since its launch in January 2022, Ruben Silva has played a central role in shaping the site’s editorial direction and long-term growth. Before joining the project, he built his experience through independent blogging at Echelons Hub and by producing race previews for Ciclismo Internacional, developing a strong analytical voice rooted in daily engagement with professional cycling.
Beyond editorial work, he has been closely involved in the expansion and coordination of CyclingUpToDate’s wider network, helping establish and support sister platforms across multiple languages. This includes ongoing collaboration with CiclismoAlDia (Spanish), CiclismoAtual (Portuguese), WielrennenUpToDate (Dutch), and RadsportAktuell (German), contributing to a shared editorial vision and consistent international coverage.
He also helps oversee editorial governance across the network, setting standards for accuracy and consistency and coordinating updates or corrections when needed.
Originally from the Porto metropolitan area in Portugal, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography. His path into cycling journalism was shaped not through formal media training, but through independent reporting, community engagement, and sustained on-the-ground involvement in the sport.
Over the course of his career, he has conducted approximately 100 interviews across road cycling and cyclocross, ranging from one-to-one conversations and online formats to press conferences and on-site pre- and post-race coverage. His interviews include leading riders, team managers, and prominent figures within cycling media: Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel, Primoz Roglic, Wout van Aert, Joao Almeida and Tom Pidcock; managers like Patrick Lefevere and Joxean Matxin; and YouTube personality Bryan Kennedy (BKXC)...
Within 18 months of launch, he helped grow CyclingUpToDate’s English-language platform into one of the most-read cycling news websites, built entirely from the ground up. As both a professional journalist and lifelong cycling enthusiast, his focus remains on delivering accurate, timely, and well-contextualized coverage.
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- LOL! Is something unclear to anyone?MajorPayne10-07-2026
- Unfortunately, it’s human nature. When one’s favorite is not the one attacking 40km out, then the race is considered “boring”. But if their favorite rider was the one doing it then it’s “exciting”. I enjoy it whether it’s Pogi, Vingo, Seixas, Remco, or any GC contender that can put a 2 min gap in week one. It’s called competitive sport and if you can show dominance, that’s exciting regardless of the athlete. Or maybe it’s simply because some folks are mad that they’ve lost $$$ in betting on the wrong rider ;)b3tlla10-07-2026
- Leaving the race because you finished second all the time? Naaah. What kind of champion will give up? If Jonad leaves the Tour isn't because he is a broken man, but he is fatigued from the Giro. What an odd prediction! We gotta give Jonas credit. He is mentally strong.jelantik10-07-2026
- Sometimes I think that Bradley Wiggins will say absolutely any old thing, just to hear the sound of his own voice.
santiagobenites10-07-2026 - Yes, he is paid to race but a rider of his caliber is also trying to build legacy. It's doubtful he would stop racing the Tour this year.awp10-07-2026
- I guess it could happen, this is the best I've seen Jonas since that really bad crash in 2024. In my own opinion, I would doubt that he quits, I don't consider him a quitter.awp10-07-2026
- he is paid to race, what is this Wiggins going on about?? Jonas is not here as a recreation rider.foothead10-07-2026
- Lipo vs Remco- that battle is definitely not over, lol. When is Lipo's contract up?
ScottG10-07-2026 - Reach a conclusion then mate
Rafionain-Glas10-07-2026 - Why would he quit? Too much projecting by Wiggins. Jonas was very straightforward- it wasn't his day. Still- a group of fantastic climbers still couldn't catch him. This Tour is far from over.ScottG10-07-2026
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