After a spectacular season that saw him secure two more Monument wins, Mathieu van der Poel arrives at the Tour de France 2024 determined to be more than just Jasper Philipsen’s lead-out man. The Flying Dutchman aims to add to his sole stage win at the Tour and prove his mettle on the grand stage.
One of the season’s most iconic images is Van der Poel at the Tour of Flanders, covered in mud, lifting his bike triumphantly after a grueling ride. His victory there, followed by a win at Paris-Roubaix, showcased his dominance. “It’s one of the hardest races I’ve ever done,” Van der Poel said after Flanders, admitting he was exhausted but still hungry for more.
Winning both Flanders and Roubaix in the same year placed him among cycling’s elite. With six Monument victories at just 29 years old, he is poised to climb even higher. “It seems obvious now that I can win another one, but you never know in cycling with injuries or other setbacks,” Van der Poel reflected.
His aggressive, instinct-driven racing style has become his trademark, relying on a keen sense of timing and conditions to make decisive moves.
However, his Tour de France record remains surprisingly sparse. In three years, he has just one stage win. This year, he is committed to riding the entire Tour, foregoing the Olympic mountain bike race to focus solely on the Tour de France. He aims to turn his fortunes around and add more stage wins to his name.
Van der Poel’s role as a team player has often seen him assisting Philipsen to sprint finishes. Yet, he is ready to seize his own opportunities. “I would love to win a second stage, but it’s becoming really difficult with the routes getting harder,” he said, acknowledging the challenge ahead.
His preparation for the Tour has been meticulous, with limited racing days this year to ensure peak condition. The opening stage in Florence, with its challenging terrain, seems tailored for Van der Poel to make a statement. The gravel roads of stage nine also suit his strengths, though he remains open-minded about when to attack.
Van der Poel’s partnership with Philipsen, highlighted in Netflix’s Tour de France: Unchained, showcases their chemistry and ruthless competitive streak. Despite the dramatization, Van der Poel enjoys their collaboration, describing Philipsen as focused but relaxed outside of racing.
This year, Van der Poel made headlines with a 10-year contract with Canyon, coupled with a five-year extension with Alpecin-Deceuninck. This long-term commitment signifies his plans to stay in the sport as both a competitor and later as a brand ambassador.
As Van der Poel prepares for the Tour de France 2024, he is ready to leave a lasting mark. With a fresh focus and strategic approach, he aims to add to his Tour de France legacy, showcasing his talent and determination on cycling’s biggest stage.
