Former Vuelta winner puzzled by Mathieu van der Poel’s tactics at Tirreno-Adriatico

It was a striking moment during the stage: Van der Poel riding away from his team’s sprint leader on the climb. For many viewers, it looked like little more than a high-intensity training ride for one of the favourites for Milan–San Remo. Horner, however, took issue with the tactical approach.

“He’s an idiot,” the American said bluntly. “And don’t tell me it’s good training for San Remo, because he still could have done a lead-out.” The former professional rider was referring to Van der Poel skipping the lead-out duties for Philipsen in both stage three and stage seven of Tirreno-Adriatico.

Horner also suggested that Philipsen’s crash earlier in the stage may partly have been the result of Van der Poel’s race strategy. According to the 2013 Vuelta winner, the Dutchman’s choices left his teammate exposed in the peloton.

“If he hadn’t been riding for himself as a training session, he might still have had the legs to keep Philipsen at the front,” Horner argued. “Then Philipsen would have been in a good position and probably wouldn’t have crashed.” “Instead of giving his teammate a fantastic victory, he’s sitting at the back of the peloton recovering from his training ride,” Horner continued, clearly frustrated by what he described as a selfish move toward his teammate.

While Horner was critical of Van der Poel, he was more positive about the form shown by Wout van Aert and Isaac del Toro during the stage. The American believes Van Aert’s condition could make him a major factor in the upcoming Milan–San Remo. “Wout van Aert showed strong condition here,” Horner said. “I don’t know if it’s enough to win San Remo, but it should be enough to follow Van der Poel and Pogačar on the Cipressa and the Poggio.”

Horner also highlighted Del Toro’s performance. According to the former pro, the Mexican rider looked very comfortable following Van der Poel during the decisive moments of the stage. “Del Toro rode in Van der Poel’s wheel as if he wasn’t suffering at all,” Horner concluded. “He will be very important for Pogačar in the upcoming Milan–San Remo.” With several riders showing strong form during Tirreno-Adriatico, Horner believes the first Monument of the season could turn into a thrilling showdown when the peloton heads to Milan–San Remo this weekend.