Van der Poel on his Lamborghini, "tough training sessions", skipping the recon, and dreams of MTB Gold in 2028

Mathieu van der Poel arrived safely in Paris on Wednesday, ready for the Olympic Games. The Dutchman, who is considered a top favorite for the road race, showed on social media that he traveled to the French capital in fitting style: his Lamborghini with the license plate MVDP-1. A press conference followed on Thursday, notably without reconnaissance.

Van der Poel's Lamborghini already appeared at several cyclo-cross events last winter, but now it will also be used for his trip from Belgium to Paris. "Soon Paris," the Dutchman wrote on social media on Wednesday afternoon. He skipped last Monday's mountain bike race to focus exclusively on next Saturday's road race, where he will find a course that suits him.

During Thursday's press moment, he was straightforward. "I think I am one of the favorites, but it's a unique race and not like those in the spring. You don't ride with your own team and can't control the race as you wish. It will be a matter of staying alert. Everything can happen so quickly," said the Dutchman. "Usually, when everyone focuses on one point, the race breaks open somewhere else."

It seems that everything is under control for the Dutch team, and Van der Poel did not shy away from his favorite's role for Saturday's road race. He will be joined by Dylan van Baarle and Daan Hoole as teammates, though he prepared for what lies ahead on his own. "I've done some tough training sessions and kept myself busy. It was good preparation. Am I better than last year? Hard to say, but I feel good."

Read more below the photo.

Van der Poel to compete in mountain biking in LA in 2028?

When asked who should control the race, he responded, "Belgium has a strong selection, but there are others too — Denmark, the UK... The question is whether they want to control it," Van der Poel said, looking ahead to the race, which TeamNL would not be scouting on the designated Thursday. "The course is well known to them," said the Dutch team. After the press conference, they would still ride the major loop in the Chevreuse Valley for a few hours, where TeamNL's cycling hotel, Centre Port Royal, is located, according to HLN.

AD quoted him on the course and his lack of reconnaissance. This is mainly because the organizers require riders to ascend in groups, at a maximum of thirty kilometers per hour. "Then I don't find it useful. It's only worthwhile to do it at a higher race speed. I'd rather choose to train nearby and rest. Of course, I'd have preferred to see it myself, but these are considerations. But I have a good idea. There are many videos, and the national coach gives us all the information we need. Normally, that climb should suit me well. The ambition to win here is very high."

So high that Van der Poel skipped last weekend's mountain bike race. A logical choice, but one that still caused jitters. "I would have really liked to be there, yes. I actually never ride the mountain bike anymore, unfortunately. Not even just for fun. The last time was during the test event for the Olympics in September. Yes, I am indeed thinking about the Olympic Games in four years in Los Angeles. To make mountain biking a big goal there. To prepare specifically for it. By that time, I'll be at the end of my career with still a very beautiful goal."

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