Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) is still thirsty for yellow and sees a possibility of "
trying to take the jersey
" in the first week of the Tour de France, he explained Thursday on the eve of the counter- the inaugural watch in Copenhagen.
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"
If tomorrow (Friday), I can rank in the top ten, with a good time, there will be something possible the following days to try to take the yellow jersey
", delivered "VDP", already carrying six days golden stuff last year.
"
It will be more difficult than last year
," said the grandson of Raymond Poulidor.
“
I don't know where I will stand against the time trial specialists.
If I lose ten to fifteen seconds (at the end of the 13.2 km, editor's note), which would be a very good performance, I can try something the following days.
Perhaps even before the cobblestone stage (Wednesday between Lille and Arenberg, editor's note)
”, left open the winner of the second stage last year.
A new combination for the Dutchman
The 27-year-old Dutchman has already shown his qualities in the solo effort several times, resisting Tadej Pogacar in the Laval time trial to keep the yellow jersey last year, then again in May by placing second in the Tour of Italy time trial to keep the “maglia rosa”.
“
The route (from Friday to Copenhagen, editor's note) looks a bit like that of the Giro with a lot of turns and few straight lines.
Which is to my advantage against real specialists.
Even if there is no relief, I think it is possible to limit the damage
”, hopes the double winner of the Tour of Flanders (2020 and 2022).
He will benefit for this from a new tailor-made suit, at the price displayed by the manufacturer of 3,250 pounds sterling (3,780 EUR) with the associated shoe covers.
"
It's starting to feel like Formula 1
," he said.
“
It's all in the details.
If you can save a few seconds with just a combination, you might as well try
”.
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