De Vlaeminck disappointed that Van der Poel works for Philipsen in major rounds: "As world champion, you have to try yourself"
Cycling
Roger De Vlaeminck is a man of remarkable and, above all, bold statements. In April, for example, he stated that Tadej Pogacar would never break away from him in his time. The now 76-year-old Fleming has also insisted for years that he was equally as good in cross country as Mathieu van der Poel is today. Speaking of MVDP, De Vlaeminck indicated to Wieler Revue that the world champion should ride for his chances more often.
Van der Poel is not part of Alpecin-Deceuninck's eight-man Vuelta a España squad and is preparing differently for the World Cycling Championships in Zurich, where he will try to defend his title. The 29-year-old Dutchman will likely ride only the Renewi Tour before that world championship.
De Vlaeminck big fan of Van der Poel
Van der Poel's most recent race was the Tour de France, where he was riding around rather anonymously for what he was doing - we have to be honest. The rainbow jersey showed in the gravel stage, but he couldn't make his mark there either. Thus, the conclusion has been drawn here and there that Van der Poel and big tours - leaving aside positive exceptions - are not a good match for the time being.
Has Matje already ridden his last grand tour? De Vlaeminck thinks not. "I think it's unfortunate that he has to pull the sprint for Jasper Philipsen. As a world champion, you have to try to win those stages yourself," he tells the Dutch sports magazine.
"I am angry about it because I am a fan of Van der Poel, after all," Monsieur Paris-Roubaix continued. "When you see him riding in the last 200 meters, I am convinced he can win bunch sprints himself." The former superstar, therefore, hopes that he will be at the start of a Grand Tour more often. "Why isn't Mathieu more frequently at the start of a Grand Tour? I hope Mathieu will start the Tour again in the future. He will have to race for himself a bit more."
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Latest Comments
- Well explained, thanks for the clarity! Daniel DantasDanieldantas20-12-2024
- This is the kind of 'news' that belongs in a cheap tabloid. No matter how boring the offseason gets, nobody wants to read this.
santiagobenites19-12-2024 - I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024