How will Mathieu van der Poel turn up the heat today in the Koksijde Duinencross? Based on his class, skill, and previous performances in the West Flanders sand, it seems there’s no stopping the world champion. But how does Van der Poel himself view his chances and the race?
When you say Koksijde, you naturally think of sand. And this year, the sand sections in the Duinencross are even more abundant than before. However, the biggest change compared to previous years is the return to the iconic finish zone of the 1994 World Championships.
How does Van der Poel feel about these course changes? "I always enjoy racing on this course, but I welcome the changes. We’re going back to the time when I was still a junior, the last time I raced on the old course. It’s an even more beautiful circuit."
After the Antwerp sand race, the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider wasn’t quite there yet with his sand technique. "But it wasn’t just me, after reviewing the footage. It became clear that everyone was struggling in the long sand section. In Koksijde, the sand is different. Also, you come in here at a higher speed. You ride a bit more through the sand in Koksijde."
"Of course, I’m no sand expert, but the sand here is a bit grittier and looser. You also approach these sections more often at speed, which allows you to correct better and faster. A sand race is always a fitness test. But, if you ride well through the sand, you also come out feeling fresher."
Van der Poel went all out early in Antwerp, but he plans to take a more measured approach in Koksijde. "I definitely won’t be full gas from the first lap every time. Sometimes that’s advisable, for example if you have bad luck, but today it’s easier to make a difference."
