MARCA chats with Mathieu Van der Poel (Kapellen, 1995) at the El Criterium in La Nucía. Alicante has become the refuge of the Dutchman, the other great cyclist who cannibalizes the most prestigious events on the calendar. Under that sun that he always pursues and enjoys, he shows his plans for a new season that is beginning to take shape.
ASK. La Nucía has recovered its Criterium, what do you think of these types of events?
ANSWER. It’s fantastic. I discovered this sports center (Ciudad Deportiva Camilo Cano) two years ago and it is great. The Criterium allows us to maintain direct contact with fans, without the pressure of competition. The sun is out and the atmosphere is great to enjoy cycling.
Q. When you are not competing you are in Alicante, why?
A. I came three years ago when I had back problems that winter when I couldn’t do cyclocross. I am in love with this area. It’s perfect for training and I love its restaurants and everything else. The weather is perfect… it’s very different from Belgium.
Q. Surely you have a favorite route to train in the area?
A. Well… I would tell you that the Coll de Rates from Parcent (third category with 6 km at 5.46%). It is one of my favorite ports and I do it very often.
The Coll de Rates from Parcent is my favorite port to train
Q. I was talking about restaurants, what is your favorite food here in Alicante?
A. We are at sea and the fish here is incredible. I eat a lot more here than when I’m at home.
Q. What is your assessment of last season?
A. It can only be good. Winning Flanders and Roubaix with the rainbow jersey was incredible. Being able to surpass myself with that jersey made me very happy.
Q. Last Tour de France we had the opportunity to interview you briefly during the second week and you didn’t seem very happy.
A. To say that I was not happy on the Tour may be too much, but I didn’t have a good time. In my debut in the Tour I managed to put on the yellow jersey and my expectations were high. This year I had difficulties achieving my best level in a Tour, but it wasn’t bad. I know I’m better at one-day races and I focus on that.
I don’t know if I will return to the Tour, maybe it will be a good time to take up mountain biking again this summer
Q. Will it return in 2025?
A. We don’t know yet. It depends on how the season goes. I think maybe it’s a good time to try to get back on the mountain bike too, if I have the time. It’s still a big goal for me.
Q. Pogacar has hinted that he will return to Flanders in 2025, what do you think?
A. I have raced Flanders twice with him and I was always ahead. He is a tough rival, but I like that. He takes the race to the extreme and that suits me well.
Pogacar going to Flanders is good for me
Q. Do you think Pogacar has already reached its maximum level?
R. I hope so (smiles). Given the situation he brings to all of us, I hope he doesn’t improve in 2025. He has completed one of the most impressive seasons in the history of cycling and I’m sure he’s happy.
Q. Do you see yourself being competitive in Roubaix one day?
A. I have no doubt. In the stage we did in the Tour de France with Roubaix sections, he showed that he is super strong also on cobblestones, so I think so.
I have no doubt that Pogacar will be competitive in Roubaix the day he decides to race there
Q. The last one. Will we see you compete in cyclocross this season?
A. I don’t know yet. We haven’t decided yet, so we’ll see.
