Max Poole excels under DSM-Firmenich PostNL structure: "It helps me to focus"

It's no secret that Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL's approach to bike racing only suits some riders. Over the past few years, the Dutch squad has often found itself in the headlines after the departures of high-profile riders and comments from current and former pros that have painted a picture of a somewhat rigid team structure. But for some, it works very well, such as for Poole. The 21-year-old Briton developed rapidly because of the Dutch team's approach.

"The structure of the team, from when I was on the development team, really helps you to ensure you have everything in place. It gives you the best chance to just focus on the important stuff and become a better rider," the climber believes. "It obviously doesn't suit everybody, which is fine, but for me, it's helped me become more drilled." And structure is essential in a rider's life.

During the Vuelta, Poole was on the stage podium four times. It was confirmation that he could compete with the other riders. Coach Matt Winston has been a significant influence on that. "Working with Matt is easy. We can speak about anything, whether bike-related or not, so I feel comfortable around him, which is the main thing." And that makes it easy to deal with things.

Winston also had a significant influence on Poole's arrival in late 2021. "I had a couple of options when I came out of juniors in terms of teams to go to. It felt right from the moment I spoke to Matt who is my personal coach now. I knew it would take me a bit of time to get settled in. Having a little bit of time as a U23 made the step up to the WorldTour the next year easier," Poole explained.

After all, we are not all Remco Evenepoel, says Poole. "Now the sport is getting a lot younger, you have to realize it doesn't quite work the same for everyone. I think the big thing is just seeing how Romain Bardet is outside the racing. It's how he looks after himself on training camps and off the bike; that's a lesson I've taken away from spending time with him," Poole said.

The victories at the Tour of Langkawi are a confidence boost for 2025. "I want to improve every year, and I know the team will help me achieve that. I realize now that small things I could have changed could have made a big difference." That's how the team and Poole looked at his mistakes on the stage to Lagos de Covadonga in the Vuelta. Mistakes he is less likely to make next year, and maybe it will earn him a Giro d'Italia stage win because that's where Poole will appear at the start line in 2025, anyway.