Mathieu van der Poel is thriving in his cycling career. He is a strong contender for Milan-San Remo but doesn’t face the same intense pressure to win as Tadej Pogačar. With six Monument victories already, he is expected to claim more titles this spring and beyond.
The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider has found a balance between the demands of professional racing and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Unlike some competitors, cycling and winning Classics are not an obsession for him they come naturally. Van der Poel is likely the only rider who can challenge Pogačar on Saturday, yet he remains as relaxed as ever. Ahead of his journey to Italy, he enjoys a final coffee ride near Antwerp, speaking with ‘Cyclingnews’, ‘L’Equipe’ and ‘La Gazzetta dello Sport’ in an exclusive interview.
“My life isn’t perfect I have bad days too. But I’ve reached an age where I’ve achieved nearly all my goals, and even more than I expected,” Van der Poel reflects. “That gives me peace. Everything from now on is a bonus, which makes racing more enjoyable.”
Despite his accomplishments, he remains motivated to win major races, including another Monument. He acknowledges the challenge of beating Pogačar, who demands a 110% effort from his rivals, but sees this as extra motivation. Van der Poel is particularly excited about Milan-San Remo, a race he won in 2023 with a decisive solo attack on the Poggio. After sacrificing his own chances for teammate Jasper Philipsen last year, he is eager for another victory.
Growing up, he watched Milan-San Remo with his father, former pro cyclist Adri van der Poel, and his mother Corinne, daughter of cycling legend Raymond Poulidor. He has inherited his father’s toughness, his grandfather’s and mother’s kindness, and the cycling DNA of all three. Racing isn’t about fame or money for him it’s simply what he does.
“Milan-San Remo has always fascinated me because you never know what will happen,” he says, expressing his love for the unpredictable Italian Classic. He even finds winning on the Via Roma more emotional than claiming victory in the legendary Paris-Roubaix velodrome.
A Classic Battle for the Ages
Van der Poel and Pogačar are set for their first head-to-head clash of the season at Milan-San Remo, with more encounters to come at the E3 Saxo Bank Classic, the Tour of Flanders, and possibly Paris-Roubaix. This spring’s Classics season promises to be a spectacle for cycling enthusiasts.
Pogačar has dominated early-season races, winning the UAE Tour and Strade Bianche despite a crash. Now recovered, the reigning world champion is back in top form. Meanwhile, Van der Poel claimed a cyclocross world title in February, won Le Samyn on his road debut, and gained crucial race sharpness at Tirreno-Adriatico.
True to his character, Van der Poel refuses to engage in a rivalry narrative with Pogačar. They have even trained together, and there is no trash talk—just mutual respect and a shared hunger to win. Van der Poel acknowledges Pogačar’s strength on longer climbs but trusts his own race instincts, bike handling, and sprinting ability.
“I don’t think much about rivalries. I just focus on being in the best shape possible,” he explains. “If Pogačar is stronger like at the Tour of Flanders two years ago that’s just how it is. I can only control my own preparation.”
Van der Poel knows he must react if Pogačar attacks on the Cipressa or Poggio; otherwise, the race could slip away. He is also wary of other contenders, including his long-time rival Mads Pedersen and Filippo Ganna, whose power and finishing speed make him a dangerous opponent.
The Cipressa and Poggio Battle
Reflecting on past Milan-San Remo editions, Van der Poel recalls how Pogačar and his UAE Team Emirates squad tried to break the race on the Cipressa but failed. The Slovenian attacked twice on the Poggio but was reeled in each time.
This year, a tailwind could encourage a record-breaking Cipressa ascent, yet Van der Poel remains skeptical. “Nothing is impossible, but if there’s a headwind, it won’t work. Even with a tailwind, sacrificing an entire team might not be enough,” he warns. “It also depends on how other teams react. If they stay organized and chase hard, it will be difficult to stay away.”
Van der Poel is prepared to go with Pogačar on the Cipressa if necessary but is more focused on an all-out attack on the Poggio. “That’s why Milan-San Remo is so unpredictable. Sometimes you can stay hidden all day and still win,” he notes. “You don’t have to be first over the Poggio to take the victory.”
If Van der Poel secures a second Milan-San Remo title, don’t expect him to celebrate late into the night. Instead, he will likely catch a flight back to Belgium and unwind with a round of golf on Sunday morning.
“Golf is relaxing, and it puts me in nature,” he says. “It’s the opposite of racing, a break from the pressure and tension. It’s my little reward win or lose.”
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