'I thought I'd already lost the race': Mathieu van der Poel impresses in Flanders after fighting back from crash
Dutch champion was able to fight back for fourth place in his Tour of Flanders debut after crashing with 30km to go
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Mathieu van der Poel considers himself lucky because he thought he had lost the Tour of Flanders with a spectacular crash mid-race.
The Dutch champion finished an eventual fourth in Oudenaarde, his debut ride in the Monument. His chase back on after the crash was considered the ride of the race along with Alberto Bettiol's (EF Education First) winning move. Van der Poel had somersaulted over his bars when his wheel broke and covered 30 kilometres, at times solo, to rejoin the lead group.
"I had a really good day I think, otherwise you can't come back in a crucial moment like that," he said. "I had to chase by myself. I think on that moment I had the feeling I already lost the race.
"To come back and to come first on the top of Paterberg with all the favourites, I'm really happy about that."
Heading to the second climb of the famous Oude Kwaremont, van der Poel hopped to get over some traffic furniture. Soon after as he slowed for a new bike, his broken wheel gave way.
"I was really lucky," he explained. "I didn't have the space any more to pass [on the pavement], then my wheel broke, it was really high speeds so I was lucky it didn't break in the first moments and I could carry on a little bit, but just before I wanted to stop it broke completely, and I went down. My wheel broke because I hit the pavement quite bad."
Those watching seemed impressed first with his chase back after such a crash and then his charge to the front of the group on the Oude Kwaremont climb and the Paterberg climb. Then, on the last time up the Paterberg, he led the star riders with past winners Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Alexander Kristoff (UAE Team Emirates) over the top.
"No," he said if fourth place given his ride was essentially a victory for him. "I think victory is something else, but I'll be back and I hope to raise my hands here one time."
The 24-year-old has won the cyclocross world title twice, including this winter, and made his debut in the big one-day Classics this spring. Adding to that, he is riding in one of the few professional continental teams in this Tour of Flanders.
Van der Poel had already placed fourth in Ghent-Wevelgem and won Dwars door Vlaanderen in the last week, so a good day was somewhat expected for him.
"I didn't even know that Bettiol was gone so... I wasn't sure," he added. "I heard the team car saying the gap was 30 seconds, but I didn't know if it was in front or our group to the following group, but I'm most impressed by second time Kwaremont when I was chasing to get back. I never heard the crowd like this before."
Thank you for reading 10 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
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
-
Inspired by bikepacking events overseas, Rapha introduces the Rapha Yomp Rally
Rapha today announced the launch of the inaugural Rapha Yomp Rally, a five-day 375-mile adventure across some of the most stunning mixed-terrain roads California has to offer.
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
From false promises and heartbreak to hope - How Heidi Franz is bouncing back from the last-minute collapse of B&B Hotels
Mind games, false promises and a life left in limbo. How American Heidi Franz navigated the B&B Hotels demise and found a kickstart to her new European life
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Tadej Pogačar eyes Tour of Flanders revenge in 2023
The UAE Team Emirates rider hopes to add to his Monuments collection next season
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Julian Alaphilippe: ‘I want to be 100% for the Tour of Flanders’
The Frenchman has said the Monument is his “big goal” for next season.
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
‘Those climber guys can ride over the cobbles these days’ - Fabian Cancellara predicts a fast paced opening week at the Tour de France
Cancellara has won the opening stage of the Tour de France five times and knows the importance of a strong opening week
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
From the cobbles to the race track: Tom Boonen is living his best life
Classic legend Tom Boonen on race car driving, Mathieu van der Poel and modern cycling
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Tadej Pogačar apologised to Dylan van Baarle after Tour of Flanders frustration
Video shows Slovenian angry at Dutchman following Sunday's sprint
By Adam Becket • Published
-
The day the crowds returned: From viking horns to the smell of beer at the Tour of Flanders
Crowds packed the start, the finish, and every key climb to catch a glimpse of the Ronde
By Adam Becket • Published
-
'I hope this will get a lot of young riders on their bikes' — Lotte Kopecky on her huge Tour of Flanders win
Belgian champion hopes to drive girls to cycling with victory
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Five talking points from the Tour of Flanders 2022
The key talking points from a thrilling day of racing in Flanders
By Stephen Puddicombe • Published