Every day at Settimana Internazionale Coppi and Bartali there is always a lot of coming and going around the means of transport Alpecin-Fenix. Curious people, fans, enthusiasts and insiders, arrived from Belgium and Holland. It was to be expected when Mathieu Van der Poel's name has appeared in the list of starters of the Gs Emilia stage race.
In fact, the 27-year-old Dutchman chose Italy to return to racing and, at the same time, seek his best form. He's already proven to be in good shape, because—after a winter without cyclocross due to the back injury he suffered in Tokyo— A third place at the Milan-Sanremo isn't invented by chance.
In the bus yard, Van der Poel He's leaning on his bike and enjoying the last moments of tranquility with some of his companions before heading towards the start of the third stage, the one held entirely around San Marino. Next to them is also Christoph Roodhooft, the Dutch champion's historic sports director, who gives the final instructions. We approach the Belgian manager himself for a chat.
How are Mathieu's plans going?
We decided to come here just a few weeks ago. I don't want to say we took it as a training session, because that's not fair to the organizers. For him, after his training, the Coppi e Bartali is a very good opportunity. as a final preparation in view of the Dwars door Vlaanderen and the Tour of Flanders. We think this is an excellent five days of racing on lovely rolling courses., although perhaps they were a little too harsh on Mathieu. At the moment I think it's It's a good thing for our team to be back racing together.We're increasing the team bond percentage for the upcoming classics.
What's his condition like? We imagine it's related to his back...
Right. The back is definitely fineEverything's fine, he's fully recovered. And his condition is good. His form will continue to improve, or at least I hope so. It's definitely better to be here running than at home training.This was the best way to improve further. Here in Italy we've found a wonderful climate, and of course it helps a lot.
What are your next goals?
We we hope to be up there in the Flemish classics, where there will be at least twenty potential winners or at least those who are in top form. I think that when everything develops a little more in the right direction, Mathieu will be one of the big favorites in these races. Winning is the goal, but only one person wins, so it won't be easy..
Will we see him again at the Giro d'Italia? And then at the Tour?
Yes, he will be at the Giro. I mean, maybe (laughs, trying to remain vague, ed.). After the Classics, we'll take it one day at a time. So we will consequently also see his participation in France in JulyWe don't want to put too much pressure on Mathieu. We also need to see what the best way to end the season is. Because he will only go to the World Cup in Australia if he is well, even though we know it is important for him to be able to participate.
Will you be aiming for anything in particular at the Giro?
In a three-week race, you shouldn't have any error-prone phases. Certainly, in the first week, there will be a battle for the pink jersey among riders similar to Mathieu. Basically our idea is to do what we did last year in the first seven days at the Tour., but unlike now, in May there will be many more opportunities to get to the front.
