The exceptional talent Mathieu van der Poel (25) had big plans for 2020. But the coronavirus crisis has thwarted his master plan. In an exclusive interview, he talks about his shattered dream of Olympic gold and his plans for the future.
"I have respect for my rivals. Nino Schurter was the toughest. It took me a long time to beat him." Mathieu van der Poel
BIKE: Mathieu, you're currently stuck at home in Belgium, where there are also contact and exit restrictions due to the corona pandemic. Are you already suffering from cabin fever?
MATHIEU VAN DER POEL: No, not at all. I live in the countryside, so I can cycle in a relaxed manner. Nevertheless, the situation is not easy. I've been preparing for this season for so long. I wanted to give it my all at the World Championships and the Olympics. Now I'm sitting here at home and my big goals are disappearing into thin air. The stupid thing is that you can't do anything about it yourself.
Do you see anything positive about the current situation? Time at last, instead of a strict schedule?
I like my tightly scheduled life. I love taking part in races and knowing that I have to be fit again next weekend. But yes, just being at home and spending time with my girlfriend is also nice. But that's it for the advantages of the current situation.
Too much time can also make you brood. Are you a person who questions or doubts a lot?
Zero, I'm not a brooder. Fortunately. My racing career gives me the stability I need. I'm also still too young and determined to question things. I think that applies more to athletes who have lost their edge.
The Olympics have been postponed, the World Cup and the World Championships are in limbo. What are you actually preparing for now?
I try to stay fit and have fun. Because it's like you say: I don't know what to prepare for specifically. I get up at 7.30am, have breakfast and then start my training straight away. That drags on. In the afternoon, I play video games or watch Netflix series, currently House of Money - super exciting.
We know from reliable sources that you can ride on the rear wheel for quite a long time. Is that true?
(Laughs). Yes, until I get a cramp in my arms. Maybe for five minutes.
Are there other freestyle manoeuvres that appeal to you?
Sure, a nice whip, for example. I think freestyle manoeuvres like that are not only fun, but also make the sport more attractive. Look at Nino Schurter's whip, people love stunts like that. There's another rider, I think in the U23, who stretches his hands backwards during the jumps. I'd love to be able to do a no-hander like that.
So you like Nino's whip.
It's definitely impressive, but it can be even better. A no-hander like this is even cooler.
Are you someone who texts with other mountain bike pros via WhatsApp? For example, with Nino about the current situation?
No, that doesn't bother me. I get on with most of the riders, but I wouldn't call anyone a friend. I think that's difficult anyway - at least among the top 10 riders. Everyone fights for themselves, which requires distance.
Because most of the important races have been cancelled, you have announced that you want to take part in the Tour de France. Have you already ticked off the mountain bike season?
The Olympics have been postponed and whether the World Championships will take place is also questionable. Gold at the Olympics and the rainbow jersey were my big goals. Now I need a new one. The idea of the Tour de France came out of necessity. It's the only important race that hasn't been cancelled yet (as of 16 April / editor's note). The ideal opportunity for my debut at the Tour de France. My team and I are in contact with the organisers, but everything is still up in the air.
The Olympics will now take place in 2021. Are you postponing your MTB goals by a year, or will you only be competing on cyclocross and road bikes next year, as you originally planned?
I wish I could tell you that. But at the moment I just don't know enough. When will the crisis end? Which races will take place and under what conditions? There's a big question mark hovering over everything. As soon as I know more, I want to make a new plan with my team.
Some say that you only want to collect titles in mountain biking and then focus fully on the road again?
Maybe that was the plan. In the meantime, I've grown fond of mountain biking.
Mountain biking is much more fun.
(Laughs). Mountain biking definitely has its appeal, also because it is so varied.
"Last year I had to make perhaps the most difficult decision: XCO World Championships or Road World Championships. I chose the latter and came home with nothing. Sometimes I still struggle with the decision." Mathieu van der Poel
Hardcore mountain bikers say that road cyclists have a stick up their arse. Is there an ounce of truth to that?
I don't think so. There are relaxed, nice guys here too. Maybe it seems that way because in road races the riders tend to move in a circle within their team. Mountain bikers are individualists and perhaps just seem more relaxed.
You said in an interview that your plan for your 2020 MTB goals took four years of preparation. How can we imagine that in concrete terms?
I first had to collect UCI points to put myself in a good starting position. The rules are tough. The short track discipline played into my hands, as I was able to achieve good results quickly and therefore also score points. I also had to improve my mountain bike skills. I've also been winning races since last year, which helps me mentally. If you're aiming for gold at the Olympics, you need good arguments.
You are considered a master strategist. Your announcement that you want to win the Olympics and the World Cup seems rather pompous. That only creates unnecessary pressure.
I do this consciously. I like to set myself high goals. The pressure I create myself is higher than that from outside anyway. What's more, the people around me have been expecting performance from me my whole life. I know that. It's a matter of self-confidence. If you don't believe it yourself, then a statement like that might be counterproductive. Not in my case.
Many athletes rely on mental coaches. Do you too?
No, but I don't think it's fundamentally rubbish. If I felt a deficit, I would have no problem getting help. But I have my team and my family, that's enough. Besides, I'm not the type of person who needs to talk a lot. I sort it out with myself.
You are brimming with self-confidence. Are there also situations in which a van der Poel is insecure?
(Pause) No, I can't think of any.
Surely there must be things you can't do at all?
I'm a bad singer and I can't dance either. I simply have no sense of rhythm.
Quick shots - Mathieu van der Poel
Best sport besides cycling: Enduro (motorbike)
Biggest dream: become world champion in MTB, road and cyclocross.
What was the last moment that scared you? When I moved in with my girlfriend.
Which habit should you stop? Chew fingernails.
Your favourite motto: You have to want it as badly as the next breath.
Who would you like to swap with for a month? Christiano Ronaldo
What makes you aggressive: When I lose at Fortnite (computer game).
What have you missed in life so far? I would have liked to spend more time with my family, girlfriend and friends.
Read it now: BIKE 6/2020
This interview is part of BIKE issue 6/2020. In it you will find these other top topics:
- Over 30 pages focusing on "Out and about" | Trails and tours: The best in Germany | Tour planning and GPS navigation | Tests: GPS devices + tour backpacks
- Fullys on test: unisex trail bikes + MTBs for women
- New products, already tried out: YT Izzo, Kona Hei Hei, Last Tarvo, Rose Root Miller, TRP DH-R Evo brakes, Fox 38
- 15-km flow trail Carinthia
- 16 pages extra: EMTB test special
Laurin Lehner
Editor
