Sometimes it feels very impossible to believe that Mathieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix) has only been riding for nine days this year. In those amazing nine days, Van Der Poel won the Tour of Flanders for the second time and even had a podium spot at Milan-San Remo, these are amazing achievements. Now, Van Der Poel wants to grow as a road racer, he wants to make up for the time he lost in his recovery period, and his crosshairs are now at Giro d’Italia, where he will finish his Grand Tour.
His first Grand Tour debut was at the 2021 Tour De France, he won the second stage and wore the leader’s jersey with immense pride. Chances were very high of him winning the tour but then he lost stage 8 to Le Grand-Bornand. He quit the race afterward and focused on the Olympic Games.
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We can only imagine the stress it takes to complete a Grand Tour, the mental and physical strains are too much. Mathieu Van Der Poel has achieved a lot this year, winning the Tour of Flanders, and a spot on the podium of Milan-San Remo, he still has eyes on the Giro d’Italia.
Mathieu Van Der Poel said in an interview:
The Giro is a race that appeals to me. I think it will definitely be good for me in the future, to do a Grand Tour for my evolution as a rider. Especially when you see what a spring I’ve ridden now. That was not very extensive.
(Courtesy of Wielerflits)
Van Der Poel has already suffered a late debut this year, the delay was caused because of an injury that sparked an intense back problem. This injury and back problem created severe difficulties and restrictions for the Dutchman, it even kept him off the bike for a whole month and eventually delayed his season debut. Now, having recovered from the injury, the Dutchman is back in full swing.
Being reassured of his performance and vigor, Mathieu Van Der Poel will be at the start line in Budapest, aiming for the Giro. He told AD.nl:
The first week is very attractive with a chance at the pink jersey. That is the main reason.
I have the intention to finish the Giro and the Tour both this year.
Giro d’Italia 2022 kicks off on Friday, May 6, 2022, and will be till May 29, 2022. Mathieu Van Der Poel will be there and we cannot wait to see him in action.
Also Read: Dylan Van Baarle Conquers Paris-Roubaix In A Thrilling Finale
Featured Image Via YouTube/Cycling Pro Net
