Mathieu Van der Poel tried but reason prevailed: no Olympics for him. After many calculations, even in terms of the possible score to participate, everything now seems to be off, also in view of the fact that the Paris road test suits his characteristics as an excellent classic rider. To prepare for the Olympic road race, he will participate in the Tour de France.
Let's say I made the most logical choice. My first half of the year was pretty long. First the cyclocross season, after a short training break for the spring season and then the classics with Liège-Bastogne-Liège. If I want to fully concentrate on mountain biking and be perfectly prepared, I should start in Nove Mesto next week, but it's not easy at all – Mathieu van der Poel
In agreement with his team, van der Poel has decided to take a longer break, after which he will be able to prepare for the Tour de France and the Olympic road race without any time pressure. Surely in the future there could be Los Angeles 2028 in MTB among his thoughts.
Then we must add the fact that Mathieu Van der Poel is the outgoing road champion and wearing the rainbow jersey is prestigious and deserves respect. As a world champion he likes to be present at as many road races as possible.
