Bold claim: Mathieu van der Poel has hit a rare, nearly perfect balance between peak performance and personal steadiness, and that equilibrium could redefine his season. But here’s where it gets controversial: will Opening Weekend in Belgium finally see him back on the start line after last year’s abstention that surprised his team?
After securing another cyclocross world title, the Dutch star has shifted focus back to road racing, gearing up for the spring classics. He even took a short skiing break to recharge before his road season kicks off. Now fans and team managers alike are watching closely to see if he will line up for the traditional Opening Weekend next week.
Last year, Van der Poel chose not to participate in Opening Weekend, a decision his team had to accept. Alpecin-Deceuninck boss Christoph Roodhooft spoke candidly to Wieler Revue, noting, “Last year he was very clear that he did not want to participate in the Opening Weekend. I thought that was a pity, because the Opening Weekend is important for a Belgian team.”
Even without racing those events, his form was undeniable. Roodhooft recalled, “A few days later he won Le Samyn with dominance, and during the Omloop and Kuurne weekend he was already very strong.”
For this year, the team is cautiously optimistic. “I think it would be good if he participates, but the first requirement is that starting up again goes smoothly,” Roodhooft explained. “After the World Championship he takes a week of rest and goes skiing. We let him do that so he stays in balance.”
Finding the right balance
Lately, Van der Poel has been building form in sunny Spain. In modern cycling, mental health and pressure management are hot topics, and Roodhooft believes his star rider has mastered this facet of the sport remarkably well.
“I think he does many things more correctly than before, and he has few problems sustaining it,” Roodhooft said. “He has found an incredibly good balance. Sport sits prominently in his life, and he’s willing to make sacrifices. He can push himself hard in training and has learned to embrace that intense feeling.”
Roodhooft also points to Van der Poel’s strong personal life and support network. “That balance starts with him, but his environment and family have played a crucial role,” he added. “He leads a life that’s balanced in all areas, and you can see that calm reflected in his racing.”
