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Mathieu van der Poel World Championship preparations

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2026-09-03 12:54 UTC → 2026-09-04 18:49 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel is transitioning from mountain biking back to road racing to prepare for the World Championships in Montréal. ~~As part of this preparation, he~~ 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~~ Luxemburg. This strategic choice aims to build momentum for the ~~event. Following this strategic buildup,~~ 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 ~~sole leader for~~ team leader, though Moerenhout noted that race dynamics may shift depending on the ~~Dutch team.~~ participation of Tadej Pogacar. The roster includes riders such as Bauke Mollema, Mathijs Paasschen, and Tim van Dijke. ~~However, climber~~ Several notable absences have been confirmed. Thymen Arensman ~~was~~ is excluded ~~from the selection~~ due to scheduling conflicts with ~~his professional team,~~ INEOS Grenadiers, ~~which prioritized Italian races~~ 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 ~~World Championships.~~ 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.

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