Stuyven explains what makes Mathieu van der Poel so different: "With riders of my caliber, that doesn't apply"

Twelve years with the same team—only Steven Kruijswijk, Salvatore Puccio, Luke Durbridge, and Michael Hepburn have been with their squads longer. But Jasper Stuyven has long been a mainstay at Lidl-Trek. The 32-year-old Belgian is on the verge of another classics season, aiming for redemption after his 2024 spring campaign fell apart. However, he acknowledges that things have changed compared to a few years ago.

With dominant figures like Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar, it has become increasingly difficult for a rider of Stuyven’s caliber to shine. "There’s a sense of realism now," he told HLN. "I still start every classic with the ambition to win, but I recognize that I’m competing in an exceptionally strong era. It’s no coincidence that Mathieu is on the verge of becoming the all-time record holder at the Tour of Flanders, and then there’s also Tadej Pogacar, who can ride away whenever he wants. When he announced his schedule, which includes nearly all the classics, it reshaped my ambitions."

At times, it’s frustrating, the classics specialist admits. "It’s great to compete with Pogacar, but you also see certain dreams shattered because of him. At the same time, I’m proud that I’ve managed to hold my own in this new style of racing. Since 2016, I’ve been in the mix for classics victories, and I’m still capable of winning one. If I stay out of trouble, avoid tactical mistakes, and perform at my peak, I know I’ll be there in the final."

Read more below the photo!

Jasper Stuyven missed much of the spring due to a crash in Dwars door Vlaanderen.

"When I won Omloop, they laughed at me at the start"

This winter, Stuyven struggled with illness, meaning he’s not yet at peak form. But if a rider like Van der Poel were to fall ill during his classics preparation, that doesn’t suddenly mean Stuyven sees an opportunity. "Mathieu, just like Pogacar and Wout van Aert, is one of those rare exceptions to the rule. Delaying a high-altitude training camp by two days is no big deal for him. He can make up for that. For riders of my caliber, that’s not the case."

At Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Stuyven lines up as an experienced veteran. In nine editions, he has finished in the top ten six times, even winning in 2020. He also knows how to handle the cold. "When I won Omloop in 2020, they laughed at me at the start because I was wearing boot covers over my shoes, but I never felt cold that day, while many riders were complaining afterward about being frozen."

Read more below the photo!

"Meanwhile, I have a Monument on my track record now"

With Pogacar and Van der Poel absent, Stuyven could opt to peak for Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. But while that might have been an option in the past, it’s no longer realistic. "Meanwhile, I have a Monument on my track record now, and my focus is on delivering results between E3 Saxo Classic and Paris-Roubaix. Other riders will be peaking for Omloop."

Who can Lidl-Trek rely on for the opening weekend? "Mathias Vacek is in excellent shape. Jonathan Milan is our leader in Kuurne, and we also have our young Swede, Jakob Söderqvist, who will surprise many. I wouldn’t be shocked if he pulls off something big in the coming weeks."

Read also

Preview Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025 | Opener of the classics season with Van Aert and Pidcock!

Pidcock noticed Van der Poel thinking during the Tour de France: "I could just see from his body language that he felt the same as I did"

Revolutionary saddle, new cockpit and shorter cranks: Vingegaard's time trial equipment did not disappoint in the Algarve

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get every week the latest news about CYCLING in your inbox!

Subscribe