Mathieu van der Poel doubts chances of defending men's road race title at World Championships - ‘It will be difficult'

Published 13/09/2024 at 21:39 GMT

Mathieu van der Poel gave an open and honest assessment of his chances of success at the UCI Road World Championships, as he prepares to represent the Netherlands at the European Championships in Limburg. The 29-year-old has been proud to wear the rainbow jersey, and can look back at a job well done, even if he were to lose his world title later this month.

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Mathieu van der Poel is doubting his chances of defending the UCI Road World Championships men’s road race title in Zurich.

The Dutchman’s current focus is on the European Championships in Limburg, but has been looking to lose some weight to give himself the best-possible chance of success later this month in Switzerland.

"I am already working on the World Championships," Van der Poel told the media in quotes published by Cycling News.

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"It will be difficult to extend my title, but we will try.

"We are trying to be a bit lighter than in the spring. That is important. Just like adding a few longer training sessions, since the World Championships will be a long race. There is a small chance, but the course of the race will determine a lot. I am not one of the top favourites on that course, but that could perhaps give me some room."

Van der Poel insists he is still proud of his achievements even if he was to lose his world title, reflecting fondly on his Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix double success.

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"It is a very nice jersey, and it stands out in the peloton. My year in the rainbow jersey has been better than I could ever have hoped for,” he added.

“The double Tour of Flanders [and] Paris-Roubaix, that is something I am still proud of. I would have signed for it in advance."

The 29-year-old has been blighted by a knee injury in recent months, and believes it was the right decision to pull out of the Renewi Tour before the final stage to prioritise his recovery.

"The days after I felt quite a lot of pain and I still had quite a bit of trouble on the bike," he continued.

"We made a smart decision not to force it. I've had my share of knee injuries in the past.

“I felt that it wasn't very serious, but also that it wasn't very smart to keep riding. When I started riding again after two days of rest, I felt that it was a lot better right away."

Van der Poel’s immediate sights are set on the UEC European Road Championships, and stressed he is happy to play a supporting role to sprinter Olav Kooij.

"I have to try to create chances in the Limburg loop, but of course there are many countries with a top sprinter, and they want to control the race," he continued.

"After the first stage of the Renewi Tour I did a reconnaissance. So I know what to expect. It is narrow and there are many twists and turns. I have indicated to Koos [national coach Koos Moerenhout] that I am also happy to help the lead-out if I have been able to do my thing in the middle section. Then I certainly do not mind helping."

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