It’s on like Donkey King, folks! Alpecin-Premier Tech’s Mathieu van der Poel’s (short) racing break is over. In fact, it wasn’t much of a break at all, was it? Just a month ago he was clobbering the field in Hulst, The Netherlands, breaking the all-time record for elite men with eight rainbow jerseys at the world ‘cross championships. He took a few days off to go skiing. And then, he hit the pavement, logging in some mega miles getting ready for the Classics.
On Opening Weekend
It wasn’t confirmed if he would line up for Opening Weekend ™ , but it sounds like the man can’t resist a good fight. “As announced after the cyclocross world championships, Mathieu van der Poel waited to complete his first training block before making a final decision on his road return. After a few solid weeks on the bike, he feels race-ready and will line up at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad,” his team posted.
The statement went on to say that his race programme largely mirrors last season. Tirreno-Adriatico will serve as preparation for Milano-Sanremo.
After that, he will be racing E3 Saxo Classic, Ghent…erm, Middelkerke-Wevelgem). Then, Ronde van Vlaanderen and his beloved Paris-Roubaix.
Stacked peloton
There will be lots of other big names racing on Saturday, including Wout van Aert, whose ankle fracture in a duel with van der poel at the ‘cross in Mol, proved not to be as serious as feared. He was back on the bike in no time and should be battle ready.
Another big name racing is Tom Pidcock (Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team), although his Canadian teammate, Nick Zukowksy, will not. The Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides, Que. rider has, however, been having a solid start to the season with some impressive rides. Guillaume Boivin (NSN Cycling) will be the lone Canuck in the men’s race.
The women, however, have a large Canadian contingent. Alison Jackson, (St Michel – Preference Home – Auber93), Alexandra Volstad (EF Education-Oatly), Kiara Lylyk (Mayenne Monbana My Pie) and Mara Roldan (Team Picnic PostNL). They’re joined by Katja Verkerk (Minimax Cycling Team), Emilie Fortin (Minimax Cycling Team) and Maggie Coles-Lyster (Human Powered Health).
How to watch Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
Racing is being broadcast on FloBikes.com, and Canadian Cycling Magazine will have full reports on both the men’s and women’s events.
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