Roodhooft explains Van der Poel’s long Strade Bianche absence: “More than one reason”

A victory in 2021, when Van der Poel produced a brilliant performance to take the win. On Le Tolfe, the Dutchman accelerated, with only Julian Alaphilippe and Egan Bernal able to follow. Van der Poel then dropped both of those big names on the final steep ramp towards Piazza del Campo — a truly memorable win.

He only returned in 2023, when Van der Poel finished 15th. So why has the former winner stopped travelling to Tuscany? “More than one reason. Mathieu also needs a good training block from time to time. Don’t forget he was at altitude until shortly before Omloop. Those eight days between Omloop and Tirreno can be used really well,” Roodhooft told Het Nieuwsblad, pointing first of all to the training schedule.

With Strade Bianche taking place the day before Tirreno–Adriatico, the Belgian team boss calls it “not an ideal” calendar fit. Still, that is not the decisive factor. “It has become much tougher. In kilometres, but especially in elevation gain. Compare it with five years ago and the amount of climbing has increased by 20 to 25%,” Roodhooft explained — and for him, that is the most important reason.

With the increased climbing, Van der Poel’s chances have become significantly smaller. “In the past, this race was already on the limit for the classic, punchy riders. But back then it could still just about work. Now it’s over that limit.” And besides the course, the quality of the start list also plays a role.

“A lot also depends on the opposition,” Roodhooft added. “When Mathieu won in 2021, he had to beat Bernal — not easy either. But if you run into a Pidcock or a Pogačar at 100 percent, it would simply be very hard for him. And yes: then Mathieu is better off focusing on other races.”

It is a shame, Roodhooft admits. “I’m even sure Mathieu himself also regrets it. In the end it remains an attractive race. But it is what it is. As the race is today, Mathieu has little business there,” he concluded.