Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) once more missed out on a stage victory at Tirreno-Adriatico however once more confirmed some spectacular kind for the now quickly approaching Milan-San Remo.
On stage 3, the Dutchman chased down late attacker Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenaders) as if he was chasing within the closing kilometres of the Italian Monument. On stage 4, he tried his personal assault on the late climb and completed third within the dash after Ganna chased him down.
On stage 5 to Pergola, van der Poel survived the painful tempo on the late nine-kilometre climb within the Le Marche hills after which gained the dash in Pergola. The solely factor to damage his day was Fredrik Dversnes (Uno-X Mobility), who stayed away within the break to win the stage.
“That sucks a bit however I’m fairly joyful about how I rode,” the Alepcin-Deceununk chief mentioned past the end line.
“I used to be actually on the restrict and simply survived that final climb however was actually on the restrict. In the final kilometres, I noticed one final rider from the break forward of us, however at a second like that, you need to gamble.”
Van der Poel gambled on ready for the dash, letting Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe and others lead the chase into Pergola. They may see Dversnes a number of instances however did not catch him.
“I used to be there alone, with none teammates, and if I’d made an effort, I’d have paid for it within the dash,” Van der Poel mentioned, justifying his techniques.
“It’s a disgrace that I did not win a stage, however I’m proud of my legs.”
Van der Poel seemed lean and highly effective as he talked submit stage. Only 39 riders survived the ultimate rolling Monterolo climb that ended with 3.9km at a mean of 6.7% and the final 300 metres at 8.6%. Only Ganna maybe weighs extra and suffered extra on the climb.
“Ganna is quite a bit heavier than me, I believe, however we all know that he’s in excellent form,” mentioned Van der Poel after once more finding out his Milan-San Remo rival close-up throughout the 205km stage.
“I didn’t count on to outlive this stage, that’s the reason we additionally despatched two teammates within the early breakaway. It’s a disgrace that I did not win a stage, however I’ve to be very happy.”
The Monterolo climb was one other excellent take a look at for Milan-San Remo, which is now solely per week away. Van der Poel’s big effort and dash effort indicated that he’s additionally on kind, enhancing day after day and so prepared for La Classicissima.
“It was a comparable effort,” mentioned the 2023 Milan-San Remo winner when requested if Monterolo was just like the Poggio climb that at all times defines the thrilling finale on the Ligurian coast.
“This climb was quite a bit steeper and tougher however was not after 300 kilometers like in Milan-San Remo. But I’m happy, it was day.”
