We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

English Woman's Journal - Van der Poel opts for road race at Olympics ahead of mountain bikes

Van der Poel opts for road race at Olympics ahead of mountain bikes

SPORTS 15.05.2024
Van der Poel opts for road race at Olympics ahead of mountain bikes
Van der Poel opts for road race at Olympics ahead of mountain bikes / Photo: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT - AFP/File

Dual world champion Mathieu van der Poel announced on Wednesday that he would not be competing in the mountain bike event at the Olympic Games in Paris this summer, prefering to focus on his bid to win gold in the road event instead.

Change text size:

The Dutchman is a six-time cyclo-cross champion, winning his most recent title in Tabor in the Czech Republic in February.

Since then, however, Van der Poel, 29, who also won the road racing world championship last August, has returned to the road winning both the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.

“It's the most logical choice,” said Van der Poel in a statement from his Alpecin team which also confirmed that he will race in the Tour de France.

“This year, the combination is too complicated. My first part of the season was quite long with first the cyclo-cross and then, after a short break, the classics campaign up to Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

“If I wanted to concentrate entirely on mountain biking and be perfectly prepared, I'd have to start as early as next weekend in Nove Mesto, the Czech mountain bike World Cup stage.

"In consultation with my team, I opted instead for a longer rest period before starting preparation for the Tour de France and the Olympic road race without being pressed for time."

Van der Poel took part in his first Tour de France in 2021, winning the second stage and taking the yellow jersey which he wore for six days.

Winning the road race world championships in Glasgow in August has given him further reason to stick to the road for 2024.

“The fact that I'm currently wearing the rainbow jersey played an indirect role too," he admitted.

"It's a special year. As the world champion, I'd like to wear this jersey as much as possible.

"And I wouldn't want to miss the Tour de France either, which I consider to be the best possible preparation for the Olympics."

Grandson of French cyclist Raymond Poulidor, winner of the 1964 Vuelta a Espana and five-time runner-up on the Tour de France, Van der Poel took part in the mountain biking at the Tokyo Olympics but crashed out without a medal.

He added that he would “maybe go all out” for the mountain biking gold at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

“That's still a long way off, but I'll be in a different phase of my career by then,” said Van der Poel.

E.Brwon--EWJ

Featured

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Change text size: