Van der Poel: “It was one of the hardest races of my life”

The Dutch Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin Deceuninck) reached the finish line in Oudenaarde happy because he was tired and won his third Tour of Flanderss after a single escape in the last 40 kilometers, where he rode “with his eyes closed.”

“It has been a test of survival. For me this is the most difficult Tour of Flanders because of the weather. In the last 20 kilometers I suffered a lot and reached the finish line with my eyes closed. “I was so tired that I didn’t think,” said the world champion at the finish line.

The six-time cyclocross world champion also showed his status as a favorite against rivals who have nothing to do when the Dutchman is in the lead.

“I have to think again about what happened. The rain made the cobblestone climbs difficult. At Koppenberg there are slides and slides until the top is reached. At the top I have a good gap, but it is quite far. “I rode the best I could, but in the end it was all worth it,” he commented.

For Van der Poel, winner of E3, “the season is already a success, because winning in Flanders as world champion is very special. Something that I have to assimilate,” he added.

The 29-year-old Kapellen champion also highlighted the work of the entire Alpecin. “The team did an amazing job. At one point I told them to support me in Koppenberg because I wanted to make a difference there. I just didn’t expect to be there alone.” The second time I went through Kwaremont I didn’t have the best feeling, but luckily I found it again,” he explained.

Now, Van der Poel is looking forward to Paris Roubaix next Sunday, but right now he is feeling tired. “I am tired. “It was one of the hardest races of my life.”he assured.