Mathieu van der Poel downplays chances, saying Strade Bianche parcours more suited to 'real climbers'

The Dutchman is once again talking down his prospects but will rivals believe his poker face?

Mathieu van der Poel at Strade Bianche 2020 (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)

(Image credit: Getty Images)
By
published

Mathieu van der Poel has played down his chances at Strade Bianche, which at the very least should strike fear into the hearts of his rivals, saying real climbers stand a much better prospect of victory.

"I agree to a certain extent that people see me as one of the favourites," Van der Poel said the day before the race in Siena. "Although I believe that the parcours fits slightly better to the real climbers. On the other hand, Van Aert, for example, has already proven that a classics rider can also win this race. But there will be a lot of strong competitors at the start. I expect an open battle."

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Jonny Long

Jonny was Cycling Weekly's Weekend Editor until 2022.

I like writing offbeat features and eating too much bread when working out on the road at bike races.

Before joining Cycling Weekly I worked at The Tab and I've also written for Vice, Time Out, and worked freelance for The Telegraph (I know, but I needed the money at the time so let me live).

I also worked for ITV Cycling between 2011-2018 on their Tour de France and Vuelta a España coverage. Sometimes I'd be helping the producers make the programme and other times I'd be getting the lunches. Just in case you were wondering - Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen had the same ham sandwich every day, it was great.