"Mathieu has already been able to lay a very broad foundation in Spain" - Adrie van der Poel analyzes Mathieu van der Poel's return to cyclocross

Mathieu van der Poel was the undisputed victor in Herentals this weekend and his father Adrie was attempt to the performance. He was not surprised and talks of good work over the winter to build the right form.

“Conditionally we knew he was fine. And apart from a mistake, not much happened. At least it looked good. We can make great progress with this,” Adrie van der Poel shared with Sporza. Having attacked on the first lap, the World Champion debuted his new jersey in style, leading the race from start to finish.

That was the good sign that Alpecin-Deceuninck were hoping for in the start of his campaign - even if some wonder if his form isn't already too good, with the Tabor World Championships still six weeks away.

“Mathieu has already been able to lay a very broad foundation in Spain. Intensity will be paramount in the field in the coming weeks and then he will go on a training camp again," van der Poel senior tells. "It is a well-considered and good choice for the road."