Mathieu van der Poel expects a 'fast race' in Loenhout: "And maybe a sprint"

He wasn't there in Dendermonde, but Mathieu van der Poel is back at the start of the X2O-cross in Loenhout today. What does the world champion expect from the Azencross?

Last year, the cyclocross riders had to battle quite a bit of mud in Loenhout, but this year Van der Poel and co. can prepare for a very fast race. It even looks like we’re going to see the fastest Azencross in years.

"Here it twists and turns a little less (compared to Dendermonde, ed.), but it remains a very fast race," Van der Poel looked ahead to the event with Het Nieuwsblad. "So the gaps will be small, I think. Maybe we’ll see another sprint like yesterday. No Thibau Nys at the start, that’s one strong competitor less. It’s always fun to have someone like him in the race."

Exciting race?
Van der Poel doesn’t have to worry about Nys, but his eternal rival Wout van Aert is at the start. Despite his dominance in cyclocross, the Dutchman certainly expects a thrilling race and final phase.

"The differences will be fairly small. When do I insert my fast lap? I never make a plan beforehand. It definitely won't be easy to shake each other off."