Textbook lead-out by Mathieu van der Poel: "We've often discussed this as a team"

Mathieu van der Poel is a master of the classics, but he's also proven to be an invaluable lead-out for sprinter Jasper Philipsen. In Nimes, he once again expertly set up Philipsen, who executed the sprint flawlessly to clinch the victory. This win brought Alpecin-Deceuninck's total to three, matching the tally of Biniam Girmay and Intermarché-Wanty.

Van der Poel was clearly pleased with the performance. Dressed in his rainbow jersey, he shared his thoughts with several TV crews post-race. "As a team, we really nailed it. We kept our cool," the Dutchman reviewed the end of the sixteenth stage. "We executed our plan exactly as we had discussed."

Their strategy involved taking the lead in the final kilometers through the historic city of Nimes. "That's how we planned it on the bus, so I'm really happy we could secure the win for Jasper like that," he shared with Eurosport.

What's next for Van der Poel in the remaining six days of the Tour? Maybe Thursday's stage? "I expect it's going to be a lot about enduring pain," he chuckled. "There don’t seem to be many chances left for me and the team. So, we should really savor this victory."

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Van der Poel: "I'm a good match for Jasper as a sprinter"

He also chatted with Sporza. "I think we did this perfectly," he concluded again. "We've done it a few times like this before, but I think the big difference is that Jasper now has the confidence to start his sprint. And maybe he has better legs than at the beginning."

"I said it last year several times: if I can set him up like this, then I know he's virtually unbeatable," indicated the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider. "We've often discussed this as a team. It's then a shame that Jonas (Rickaert, also a crucial part of the train, ed.) isn't here, but Gianni (Vermeersch, ed.) did very well in his place. I then match very well with Jasper, as a sprinter."

In the hectic finale, the men found their way. "The fact that there were many roundabouts wasn't necessarily a negative. Once you're over them, it stretches out a bit more. Then the jostling and the swaying stops a bit, but afterwards, I did hear that there had been a fall. That's unfortunate," he noted after Biniam Girmay's crash.

And now? "There won't be any partying yet. Our goals are somewhat completed, I don't think we have many chances left. As a team, we've had a fantastic Tour and it will be tough until Nice."