Traffic jams around the course and last-minute press requests, the van der Poel effect is unleashed: "This is not normal"

Suddenly, many more cycling fans will be in front of the TV to watch Le Samyn, but Wallonia will also be packed with spectators. The Mathieu van der Poel effect is unleashed, visible everywhere. The sudden announcement that the superstar will be at the start has triggered a lot of attention, and the interest in the race has grown exponentially.

The news came as a surprise but not to the organization. "On Friday, Alpecin-Deceuninck contacted me with the news that Mathieu was likely to ride on Tuesday," Philippe Liénart, race director of Le Samyn, told Het Nieuwsblad. "Of course, I was over the moon. I couldn't believe it. But I already knew before the opening weekend that Van der Poel would be on the starting line with us. It wasn't anything new or groundbreaking. I almost took it for granted."

This allowed the organization to prepare for all the attention that would follow. "I've been getting calls from press people all day. It's crazy what Mathieu is causing with his season start," he explains. "Of course, it's an honor to be able to welcome him for his first race of the season. He also immediately has a shock effect on the public. Mobile homes gather on the cobblestone strip of Rue de Belle Vue. It will be one big party. Carnival weekend, good weather, what more could you ask for? All the ingredients for a memorable edition are present."

Read more below the photo!

Le Samyn immediately becomes first test on cobblestones for Van der Poel

"Mathieu is not here just for fun"

It will be his first race, although according to his regular schedule, that would have been Tirreno-Adriatico on Monday. But the Alpecin-Deceuninck star is not here for a warm-up lap or glorified training ride. "Let's be clear: Mathieu is not here just for fun. He will compete to win. He was also there in 2021, but that was during the pandemic, so there were no spectators." By providing a lead-out, Van der Poel ensured victory for his teammate Tim Merlier, who had a broken handlebar.

Even without Van der Poel, Le Samyn boasts a fantastic list of participants. "Paul Magnier is a super talent," says Liénart. "I can see him ending up in the top five. And then there's our Walloon bull, Arnaud De Lie. He had some bad luck in the Omloop. I think he will be highly motivated to make up for that disappointment. Besides, he still has a score to settle here. Hofstetter is also popular here, a former winner and in top form after his podium place in Kuurne. Excitement guaranteed!"

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