Mathieu van der Poel World Championship preparations

Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel is transitioning from mountain biking back to road racing to prepare for the World Championships in Montréal. Following a 31st-place finish in a recent mountain bike event in Val di Sole, the Alpecin-Premier Tech rider has confirmed his participation in the Ronde van Luxemburg. This strategic choice aims to build momentum for the World Championships, mirroring a preparation pattern used in 2024.

Dutch national coach Koos Moerenhout has announced the official squad selection for the 2026 World Championships. Van der Poel will serve as the team leader, though Moerenhout noted that race dynamics may shift depending on the participation of Tadej Pogacar. The roster includes riders such as Bauke Mollema, Mathijs Paasschen, and Tim van Dijke.

Several notable absences have been confirmed. Thymen Arensman is excluded due to scheduling conflicts with INEOS Grenadiers, a situation Moerenhout criticized as a sign of professional cycling prioritizing sponsor interests over national prestige. Additionally, Huub Artz is ruled out following a broken scaphoid sustained during the Renewi Tour. Regarding the competition, cycling legend Eddy Merckx expressed doubts about Pogacar’s ability to defend his title, citing recent injuries including a neck vertebra injury.