Van der Poel could break record on Sunday in the Tour of Flanders: "Underestimating opponents is never an option"

"I took it easy in the first few days after the race to ensure a good recovery," Van der Poel told us in a press release about the days after the E3. "Yesterday, I did intensive training on the Tour of Flanders course." That was the second time the Dutch rider had explored the course, as he had also been on the course around Nokere Koerse. "The course holds no secrets for me, so it wasn't really necessary from that perspective. But because I chose to stay in Belgium between the E3 and the Tour of Flanders, it seemed like a good idea to train a little longer on the course."

During this 'extra' recon, teammate Quinten Hermans was present. The Belgian was not on the start list for the Ronde, so why was he doing the recon? "When Kaden Groves dropped out due to knee problems, Quinten was called up as a replacement. He is a valuable addition to the team. Just two weeks ago, he played an important role in Milan-San Remo."

In addition to Herman, Van der Poel will be supported by Silvan Dillier, Timo Kielich, Xandro Meurisse, Edward Planckaert, and Gianni Vermeersch. A strong seven, who, according to Van der Poel, will have a 'consistent approach.' "Let's just say that we are prepared for whatever happens, good or bad. The most important thing is to remain calm in all situations. As always, my teammates will do everything possible to put me in the best possible position for the final. Then it's up to me to try to win the race, although that's much easier said than done."

On Sunday, the main focus will be the battle between van der Poel and the other top favorite, Tadej Pogacar. However, there will be plenty of other contenders as well. For example, Visma | Lease a Bike who recently made a blunder in Dwars door Vlaanderen. Nevertheless, van der Poel also takes them into account on Sunday. "The Tour of Flanders is a different race than Gent-Wevelgem or Dwars door Vlaanderen. Based on recent results and how the races have gone, I still think it's fair to say that Tadej and I stand out just a bit more." As such, MVDP is taking all riders and teams into account. "A lot can happen, and the dynamics of the race can always lead to surprises. Underestimating your opponents is never an option."

Apart from a possible fourth victory, the Tour of Flanders means a lot to van der Poel, as it is the classic he loves the most. "As a child, I watched it on TV with admiration, and from my first participation, I felt a strong bond with this race. The Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and Milan-San Remo are all magical races, but Flanders is special. My name is already on the winners' list three times, which makes me incredibly proud."

If van der Poel were to win his fourth Tour of Flanders, he would become the sole record holder. Yet the Dutch rider does not seem to be concerned with that. "I just want to win the race on Sunday. If I do, the record will come naturally. Don't get me wrong, it's extraordinary. I never thought I would be in this position. Yet it is not something I actively think about during the race."

Mathieu van der Poel