Bruyneel sees Mathieu van der Poel doing something ‘extremely difficult’ and explains chaos at Koppenberg: “That is impossible”

The ex-team leader is in the podcast TheMove reflect on the power of the three-time Tour of Flanders winner and on the scenes on the Koppenberg. First let’s talk about the winner, because he deserves it. Although some will immediately point to Van Aert and others who were not there.

“A race with or without Van Aert would be completely different,” Johan Bruyneel also quotes. “But still: if you are the only favorite in such a race, it is extremely difficult to keep it under control and win,” the Belgian puts all the credit to Mathieu van der Poel. “And he has even that under control.”

CONTROLLER VAN DER POEL

So there is no need to comment on his victory. This took shape on the Koppenberg, as Van der Poel was one of the only three riders who did not have to set foot there. How come 99% of the entire cycling peloton stood still there?

“If someone makes a wrong maneuver in front of you, you have to get off and you can’t get going anymore. Once you stop, you have to get up,” Bruyneel leaves no room for any other scenario. In those situations, riders are therefore extremely dependent on what their colleagues do.

BRUYNEEL PUTS THINGS ON SHARPE

It is a vain hope to think that you can still drive up if you have to get off first. “Some have tried to jump back on the bike, it’s just impossible.”