It wasn't a good day for Mathieu van der Poel at the Superprestige Boom, as he crashed and suffered injuries. Although injured, the Dutchman has decided to compete in today's UCI World Cup Antwerpen.
"I hope it doesn't bother me too much today," van der Poel said before the Antwerp World Cup. He continues, "It was quite an impact. I'm mostly angry with myself, as it was a stupid mistake. I just shouldn't make that one."
He suffered a knee injury in the crash and had to give up the lead. It is especially important to him that he doesn't miss out on the race due to injuries since Wout van Aert will set off on his cyclocross season today. "I was mostly angry with myself. Not just because I lost a chance for a win this way, but because there is damage to the body again. Of course, I don't want that. I hope it turns out well today,” said van der Poel.
His chances are good on the race course. His ability to ride in sand, unlike many other riders, gives him a competitive edge in today's race. “I love riding in the sand. There are quite a few adjustments to the course, but that's certainly not bad. It's always fun and special to race here in Antwerp. It's close to home," concluded van der Poel.
🗨️ 🇳🇱 Mathieu van der Poel: "I yelled something to the pit and wasn't focused for the corner. I hurt my shoulder and especially my knee. I continued, that's often the best after a crash not to get stiff. In the end it went better." He will be there again tomorrow in Antwerpen.
