Mathieu van der Poel enters his sixth Tour de France appearance this week with a shift in focus toward team-based objectives, specifically targeting the opening team time trial in Barcelona. According to comments made during the A.S.O. press conference at the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, the Alpecin-Premier Tech leader is prioritizing collective preparation over individual stage hunting in the race’s opening days.
Why is the team time trial a focal point for Alpecin-Premier Tech?
The 2025 Tour de France marks the first team time trial in seven years, prompting teams to adjust their training regimens. Van der Poel confirmed that his preparation involved significantly more hours on his time trial bike than in previous seasons. “We have trained a bit more on it with the whole team because the team time trial is already in the first stage,” Van der Poel stated. The squad conducted final preparations at the Zolder circuit to refine their coordination for the technical sections and final climbs.
How does the current peloton shift the competitive landscape?
The rise of versatile stars like Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel has changed how riders approach punchy finishes, such as the second stage on Montjuic. Van der Poel acknowledged that these riders are capable of contending for stage wins that were previously the domain of specialists. “It’s very beautiful to be part of this generation of cyclists,” Van der Poel said. He maintains that while the competition is stiffer, it does not add extra pressure to his own performance.
Comparison: Team Ambitions vs. Individual Goals
While Van der Poel is officially targeting stage wins, his role is dual-purpose. He is explicitly tasked with supporting teammate Jasper Philipsen in his pursuit of the green jersey. This collaborative strategy mirrors the team’s successful 2024 campaign, where they maintained a strong presence in the points classification until late-race complications, including Van der Poel’s withdrawal due to pneumonia, forced a shift in plans.
What are the expectations for the opening stages?
The start in Barcelona serves as a testing ground for teams without a clear GC favorite. Van der Poel expects the high level of the current GC favorites to influence the outcome of the opening team time trial, noting that those riders are often the favorites for any stage, regardless of the profile. His primary objective remains consistent with previous years: secure at least one stage victory while managing the team’s broader ambitions for the green jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mathieu van der Poel targeting the General Classification?
No. Van der Poel explicitly stated that his team does not have a designated GC rider, which allows them to adopt a more flexible, stage-hunting strategy.
How has the team prepared for the return of the team time trial?
The team utilized the Zolder circuit for specific training sessions, with Van der Poel increasing his time spent on the specialized time trial bike to accommodate the unique demands of the opening stage.
What is the main goal for Alpecin-Premier Tech this year?
The primary goals are to win a stage and to provide support for Jasper Philipsen in his effort to win the green jersey, building on the momentum established in previous editions of the race.
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