Mathieu van der Poel feels form improving ahead of world championships

Mathieu van der Poel was in a league of his own on Sunday at the Benidorm World Cup. For the world champion, it was confirmation that he is building towards peak form, which he hopes to reach at the World Championships in Hulst. "I think I have taken a step," said MVDP, who had last minute added the Benidorm cross to his program, afterwards in front of our camera.

You wanted to make it a good training week, so you thought: I’ll add a long hour-long training session?
"That was a bit unexpected. I didn’t expect it would go that way beforehand either. But after one lap, together with Tibor (Del Grosso, ed.), I got a nice gap at the start-finish. Then I wanted to push hard in the race, because otherwise you can spend an hour scrapping in the pack. I immediately got a good gap and knew that at some point they would start watching each other."

What conclusions do you draw from the recent period, including this cyclocross?
"I’m very happy. I think I have taken a step. After two training weeks I felt a bit tired, but I was still able to race well, so I’m pleased with that."

Before the cyclocross season, you said you wanted to build up differently, aiming to peak at the World Championships. How do you look at that now?
"I have the impression that it has succeeded. Despite the fatigue, I felt there was a little more power today. I’m happy with that."