Matxin plays psychological game: "I hope Van der Poel always stays true to himself"

The entire cycling world is eagerly anticipating the duel between Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar at Milan-San Remo, and for UAE Emirates XRG manager José Antonio 'Matxin' Fernández, it’s no different. The Spaniard has already started a psychological game leading up to La Primavera, we read on TNT Sports.

"If Pogacar can improve himself by just one percent, then he can win San Remo. I hope Van der Poel always stays true to himself; he is a worthy and respectful rival who is highly valued by us. If we ever get to beat him, I hope it happens in the same respectful manner," he says.

Matxin doesn’t explain exactly what he means by that. However, he goes on to praise the Dutchman extensively. "He is a very important rider in professional cycling and there are always high expectations surrounding him. The same goes for Tadej. To beat Van der Poel in a race like San Remo, that will be very tough."

"He shares the same values as Tadej and knows himself inside out... Still, we will try to turn the result around this year," he concludes.