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Rain, mud, cobblestones. A toxic mixture – even for professional cyclists. Dozens push their bikes up the Koppenberg, the brutal climb of the Tour of Flanders. But not Mathieu van der Poel (29). The Flying Dutchman leaves everyone 45 kilometers from the finish on Easter Sunday and later wins – solo and in the world champion jersey. “Winning the Tour of Flanders in the world champion’s jersey is a dream,” he says.
Van der Poel continues to work on his hero story. He has already won the Tour three times – as many as six other drivers, including Fabian Cancellara (42). He still has a few years to become the sole record holder. The grandson of tour legend Raymond “Poupou” Poulidor (1936-2019) is the man of the hour. Next Sunday we want to triumph in the “Hell of the North” just like last year in Paris-Roubaix.
Dillier: “I don’t understand”
Either way, Van der Poel will go down in history as one of the best Classique fighters. Whether it is the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaux, Milan-San Remo, Amstel Gold Race or Strade Bianche – he has won everywhere. He also won stages in the Tour de France and the Giro. He is a six-time cyclo-cross world champion and won World Championship gold on the road last year. Much more is not possible.
Yet the Belgian spectators have their eyes on him. Not all, but a striking number. During his solo ride in Flanders, he is booed, insulted and showered with beer at Kwaremont. “I was so focused that I didn’t care,” he says later. For Alpecin teammate Silvan Dillier (33) it is clear: “It has nothing to do with sports, I can’t understand it.”
Van der Poel therefore remained relaxed. That wasn’t always the case. At the Cyclo-Cross World Championships in Hulst, Netherlands, near the Belgian border, he was also showered with beer – and apparently also urine – last December. Van der Poel then spat at a spectator and was fined almost 1,000 francs by the UCI.
Where does this hatred come from?
But why do some Belgians apparently not like Van der Poel? He is charismatic, but never dishonest. The answer is complicated.
First of all: Van der Poel is Dutch, even though he was born in Belgium. The rivalry between the two cycling-mad countries is great. Second, he wins often. Very often. Too often for some fans. Thirdly: he is the biggest rival of cycling star Wout van Aert (29) and has already spoiled him with several cyclo-cross titles. You should know: in Belgium and the Netherlands, winter mud races are not only popular, they are also cultural assets. The emotions boil over
By the way: Van der Poel is also an excellent mountain biker. It is quite possible that he will also join Nino Schurter (37) and Co. this summer. will make life miserable in Paris. But he probably shouldn’t expect hostility.
Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
