Adrie van der Poel is not concerned with son Mathieu's list of achievements: "We know how quickly things can turn around"

Papa Van der Poel saw a very strong Alpecin-Deceuninck. "I think he can rely on a very strong team and all the preparations that come with it. It's easy to say now, but they approach things superbly well and that also boosts morale. But of course, you also have to make sure you have the legs yourself, but he does. As I always say: then it's just a matter of not encountering too many obstacles and having a bit of luck."

Van der Poel senior clearly cautions against too much euphoria, after the second Monument in a row. "I'm not so concerned with how many big races he wins, because I also know how quickly things can turn around. That's why we have to enjoy the moments that we have now. If we can avoid crashes and the like, a lot is possible. But it's not obvious."

Adrie noticed little of Van der Poel's preparation, including in Spain. "I didn't see Mathieu much, not even this morning before Paris-Roubaix. We sent each other one text message this week. A lot of people think it's weird that we have very little contact, but I think he's an athlete and it's better to leave him alone. It's great when he comes over for dinner every once in a while, then we talk about other things than the race. I let Mathieu do his thing and so far that works nicely for us," he summarizes.

To follow: Amstel Gold Race and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. "We are going to watch. The period he was handling in recent years has ended and now there are two more races to come. So far it has been fantastic, but it is to be seen how he adapts in the face of a different way of racing and different competition."