Why Van Baarle is so fired up for the Olympics: "We still need to discuss it, but I expect a lot from it"

For now, all the focus is on Mathieu van der Poel when it comes to previews of the Olympic road race. The world champion is the top favorite and will face a course that seems tailor-made for him in Paris. However, Dutchman Dylan van Baarle is also at the start and is a valuable wildcard in that race. He had to skip the Tour due to an injury but has been quietly working on his form. How is he doing?

In the podcast In Koers, Van Baarle discussed his return to the Games. Two things are special for the Dutchman from South Holland. "It’s getting bigger and bigger. The fact that the peloton is so small makes it even more special to be able to participate. I’m looking forward to experiencing an Olympics not dominated by Covid-19," he reflects on the small field of participants and a full, Olympic city.

Van Baarle hopes to form double threat, together with Van der Poel: "Playing our cards"

Van Baarle expects a lot from the Olympics, as he says. Partly because of the feeling he's had during his preparation. "I feel good in training. I’ve spent a long time at altitude and taken good care of myself. I expect a lot from it." He is certainly looking at his own chances, alongside Van der Poel. "In the sprint, it’s definitely not for me. We still need to discuss it with the team."

"I hope, of course, for a good day and I hope to play a role in the finale. That I can be there with Mathieu and that we can play our cards," he continues. Finally, who are the main competitors on the long course, with the small field of participants? "The Belgians have a strong block. The Danes too, although it remains to be seen how Mads Pedersen has recovered. The French are also strong, with Christophe Laporte and Julian Alaphilippe. And then there’s a list of classic names."