After their spectacular duels in the cyclo-cross season, the first heads-up of the year between Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel on the road will have to wait. The Belgian, as he has announced through his social networks, will not be at the Strade Bianche, which will take place this Saturday. “Good morning everyone. I have to share news with you. I will not be on the start line of the Strade Bianche this year. I will start the road season in the Tirreno-Adriatico ”, has shared the Jumbo runner on their social networks.
Van Aert, what he is training on Teidereports on health problems that, in recent days, have not allowed him to progress as planned in his preparation. “Unfortunately, I have not felt well several days in the last week, during the start of my training here, in Tenerife. My plans for the preparation have been altered by it ”, develops the Belgian, winner of the Strade in 2020.
Van der Poel favorite
“After my break after the Cyclo-Cross World Championship, I missed several days of training. We believe that the best thing, therefore, will be to extend my stay at altitude to reach my best form for the Tirreno-Adriatico. We believe that on the Strade I would not be able to perform to my full potential. I like to run to win and that, Right now, it’s not possible. I need some more time and, for this, sometimes, it is necessary to modify your plans ”, closes the Jumbo corridor. With his loss and that of Tadej Pogacar, therefore, Van der Poel, winner in 2021, reinforces himself as the main favorite.
