"Wout and Mathieu are unique riders. They can peak anywhere" - Dutch national coach does not doubt that van der Poel can manage Olympic Games with other season goals

Mathieu van der Poel is having the Olympic Games MTB race in Paris next summer as a big career goal. However, that is not an easy task to manage taking into consideration how he may also be a leading favourite for the road race, and having to balance that with other big races throughout the year where he has the chance to win.

"It is first up to Mathieu to make a choice about what and how he wants it. We can then see how we can do this as best as possible on our side," Koos Moerenhout, Dutch road national coach, told Wielerflits. "But it is not just a matter of whether or not there is a Tour de France - where something can always happen that has an influence, although of course you always hope not - for the Olympic Games. You have to plan the entire season for the Olympic Games. But he and his team Alpecin-Deceuninck will figure it out. Mathieu knows perfectly well what he is doing.”

Moerenhout believes that if van der Poel is able to replicate something like this year's Tour, where he did not arrive at the finish exhausted, and chased opportunities for himself only on a few occasions, then the Grand Boucle can be worthy for his preparation. However, racing the whole Tour can have the opposite effect so it is a tight rope to walk in. Wout van Aert will not race the Tour, but instead the Giro d'Italia and a lighter program as Team Visma | Lease a Bike will not want to take risks and have the Belgian fatigued into Paris.

“For Visma, in any case, it will be a big loss. How Wout has been doing in the Tour in recent years, which counts for two in the supporting roles. Given the role he always plays, skipping the Tour might even be better for his physical health. Moreover, you should not forget the mental aspect. In the Tour you experience a lot of life," he justifies. "Look, Wout and Mathieu are unique riders. They can peak anywhere."

Moorenhout will also be given the tough task of choosing the riders that will represent the nation at the Olympics. Only a few riders are allowed even for the best teams, and that makes it a very difficult choice for the country's that have several riders who can fight for the win. The Tour de France will play a role on how he will select the lineup. "The Tour is such a tough assignment. Then you need to know in advance what you have to do next. I haven't committed to anything yet, but starting with three leaders is still an option.

"Whether or not Mathieu rides will of course influence this. If he does the road race, you will immediately have one of the top favorites in your ranks besides Wout van Aert. You then have to take action. But with such small teams, three leaders is not unthinkable for us.”