"I'm going to try, without pressure" - Mathieu van der Poel on plans and preparation for MTB World Championships

Mathieu van der Poel is putting his full focus on the road currently, with the Tour de France and World Championships, however he will take the opportunity afterwards to race the XCO World Championships where he hopes to get some important points ahead of the Olympic Games.

“We talked about that here in La Plagne. Normally I will also visit the MTB World Championships. Without specific preparation, of course," van der Poel told Wielerflits. "I'm going to try, without pressure. After the road World Championships I try to adapt to my mountain bike as soon as possible. I'm here anyway and maybe something beautiful will happen. The form should normally be good after the World Championships on the road. I can see where the ship strands.”

Without the pressure and preparation, but due to his known talent van der Poel has the ability to choose if he participates or not. He looks to land himself and the Netherlands more points, necessary for the nation's ability to have more riders ride the Olympics event which will take place in 2024 in Paris. Whilst not being his main goal currently, he eyes the opportunity for years and has not completely let go his plans of mountain biking.

“It's not easy to qualify for the Mountain Bike Olympics. That is why I also take the risk of trying at the World Championships in Glasgow without any preparation. I will not train on my mountain bike in the weeks before. That's a gamble, but one we should try to earn at least a starting spot for Paris," he admits.

"Because if I want to go different, I definitely have to go mountain biking more. We've talked about that here too, but that decision hasn't been made yet. If the World Championships goes better than expected, maybe I can get points for the regular qualifying route elsewhere.”