European media on Van der Poel's return: 'hello, rest of the world', shrapnel and ants on calves

First, let’s take a look at the headlines from the Low Countries. "Van der Poel grew impatient and couldn’t hold himself back," observed De Telegraaf. AD kept it short and sharp: "Boom! Immediate impact." Trouw highlighted his surprise entry and instant success: "Unexpectedly on the start list—and straight to victory: Van der Poel’s legs were itching." Het Nieuwsblad noted his overwhelming confidence: "No lack of self-belief for Van der Poel." HLN referenced his quick decision to race with "A raised finger settled it," alluding to how Van der Poel himself stepped up for Le Samyn.

In France, there’s always keen interest in the grandson of Raymond Poulidor, and L'Équipe was certainly impressed. "It's simply not true that modern cycling lacks excitement. Tadej Pogacar (UAE Tour), Jonas Vingegaard (Volta ao Algarve), and now Van der Poel in Le Samyn all won their very first race of the season. The unfortunate Remco Evenepoel is still missing from the action, but the 'madmen' will soon clash, and no one wants to get caught in that crossfire."

"Their victims are aware of the gap that exists," continued the French sports newspaper, where they cited number two, Paul Magnier of France, as an example. "He seemed quite content with his fate, knowing that for now, there's more than a decade of an age gap between him and his idol." Magnier, who had also finished second in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad just days earlier, had nothing but praise for Van der Poel. L'Équipe summed it up: "Van der Poel must have felt ants crawling on his calves when he saw Pogacar attacking on the Roubaix cobbles. But like an experienced master, he returned from his vacation, leaving only crumbs for the rest," L'Equipe concluded.

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La Gazzetta dello Sport also dedicated space to Van der Poel’s return, with the pink sports newspaper marveling at his sprint. "In a situation like that—200 meters to the finish, low speed, launching the sprint from the front—it is virtually impossible to beat Van der Poel. He unleashes every ounce of explosiveness in his legs for just a few seconds, and hello—the rest of the world starts fighting for second place."

AS referred to him as a "steamroller": "With his arms raised and another display of power, he crossed the finish line. Van der Poel lived up to expectations, dominating a sprint that was anything but straightforward. He launched from 200 meters out—and no one could stop him." Marca called his return that of a "cannibal", signaling his hunger for victory: "A statement of authority that proves he’s ready for the spring classics. The 30-year-old Van der Poel transitioned from a dominant cyclo-cross season straight onto the road—and with his first attack, he has already made his mark."