David’s brother thinks he knows what Mathieu van der Poel plans in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

Since Wednesday morning, all lights are green: Mathieu van der Poel will make his debut in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. The Dutchman is widely tipped as the top favorite, but how does his older brother David assess the situation?

The now-retired David van der Poel understands why his younger brother will start as the big favorite. "That’s kind of his status. Wherever he starts, he’s the top favorite," he says in an interview with Sporza Daily. "Saturday won’t be any different."

"I assume he has been able to do everything he needed and wanted to do. Otherwise, he wouldn’t start on Saturday. From past experience, we know he comes to the start in top shape and form. Let’s hope that will be the case this Saturday."

Van der Poel won’t lack support, as Alpecin-Premier Tech still has two (shadow) leaders in Jasper Philipsen and Kaden Groves. "And then there are several strong riders who will give 100% in service," David notes.

"That gives some pawns to play with. Omloop can be a tactical race. I expect Mathieu to make it a hard race and keep Jasper and Kaden in reserve."

High expectations
Van der Poel is therefore aiming on Saturday for a still missing victory in Omloop, but his ‘real’ goals come later. When can we actually speak of a successful spring season? "The bar is set very high. After the past few years, people expect the same. That might not be entirely realistic. What he achieves is unique. And not a given," David emphasizes.

"It’s to be expected that he continues his momentum and contends for victory in the major classics. Without a win, the perception will be that it was a disappointment. If he can win another monument, his spring will be a success. Everything beyond that is a bonus. Although more is always welcome and fantastic. Two monuments would be amazing."