Van der Poel gets "attacking squad" for World Championships, with strong riders and (better) climbers
CyclingFriday, 06 September 2024 at 18:01
Mathieu van der Poel will have eight strong teammates for the World Championships in Zürich, as announced by the Royal Dutch Cycling Federation (KNWU) through official channels. Alpecin-Deceuninck's defending champion will be supported by riders including Wilco Kelderman, Frank van den Broek and Bauke Mollema.
National coach Koos Moerenhout has known all year that Van der Poel was eager to defend his Glasgow world title in Zürich, even though the Dutchman admitted that the course in Switzerland might be a bit too demanding for him. For that reason, stronger climbers like Kelderman, Van den Broek, Mollema, as well as Sam Oomen and Bart Lemmen, will be part of the team. The selection is completed by strong riders Oscar Riesebeek, Sjoerd Bax and Daan Hoole, the latter also set to compete in the time trial at the World Championships.
The time trial is scheduled for September 22, with the road race taking place on September 29. The challenging course in Zürich features 274 kilometers and 4,500 meters of elevation gain. The KNWU has described the Dutch squad as "an attacking selection". Riesebeek is seen as a trusted confidant of Van der Poel, being his teammate at Alpecin-Deceuninck. "We're aiming for the highest achievable result, although it won't be easy. Many nations are in the running for medals, so I'm looking forward to an attacking race," said Moerenhout.
The Dutch team's strategy, according to the national coach — who confirmed that the Netherlands will not participate in the Mixed Team Relay — will largely depend on Van der Poel's form. "I have great confidence in this team, a mix of experienced and younger riders, suited to the difficulty of the course. I expect an exciting battle, where anything can happen on this type of terrain. And, of course, we're hoping for another fantastic result with Mathieu, and that's what we'll be fighting for as a team."
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Latest Comments
- 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
- This is not a gravel race. UCI fail, from the surface they are on to team tactics. In what country was the first "gravel race" in what country is the most popular gravel race? Go with the race model that created the discipline.
Barnes127411-10-2024 - And don't forget he has now won 4 of the big 10 races (Grand tours, Monuments and WC/OG) in one year with a chance to make that 5. (5 has only been done once before)Joostmehrtens05-10-2024