"The chance of me becoming world champion is slim" - Mathieu van der Poel remains modest about his MTB ambitions

Mathieu van der Poel's season will have an anticipated climax in two weeks from now at the mountain bike World Championships. The Dutchman is keen on completing his collection of rainbow jerseys where only that from mountain bikes is missing. Before the big moment arrives at Crans-Montana, Van der Poel will have an opportunity to test his legs in-competition at the Les Gets World Cup this Sunday. With Renewi Tour on Van der Poel's programme last week, there wasn't much time for specific training, but the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider is nevertheless confident in his own ability.

"I rode the mountain bike a few times beforehand to get used to that position. That's the biggest adjustment for me. The technique will come naturally once I can ride the course every day starting Wednesday," the 30-year-old rider said after the Renewi Tour.

Not wasting any time while in France, Van der Poel used the time at hand to ride up the well-known Col de Joux Plane climb, from which he shared photos on his Instagram.

Still, Van der Poel doesn't want to have to great expectations of the World Championships, aware that the odds aren't in his favour. "I'll only start from the fourth row, and in mountain biking, the start is even more important than in cyclocross. The chance of me becoming world champion is still slim after this week, but I do think I made the difference this week fitness-wise. Now I need a few days of rest, and then Les Gets will be the real test."