The gravel roads of Strade Bianche in Tuscany were noticeably absent of one of cycling’s most exciting and unpredictable talents this Saturday. Mathieu van der Poel, the Dutch powerhouse known for his versatility across multiple disciplines, was nowhere to be found in the Italian classic that mixes cobbles with gravel. Fans had hoped to see the cyclo-cross legend and Tour de France contender fight for victory on the iconic Tuscan climbs. But instead of competing in Strade Bianche, van der Poel opted for a different kind of gravel — and a different kind of adventure — as he tuned up for his upcoming race in Italy. Meanwhile, his teammate, Tibor Del Grosso, was preparing for a milestone of his own, as he lined up to make his WorldTour debut at Paris-Nice.

Van der Poel’s absence from Strade Bianche sparked conversations among cycling fans and pundits. Known for his strong performances in one-day races, including his historic victory in the 2020 edition of the Tour of Flanders, the 28-year-old Dutchman had been tipped as one of the favorites to shine on the Tuscan gravel. However, he had other plans.

Instead of taking on the tough gravel roads of Italy, van der Poel chose to take his gravel bike for a spin in Belgium. The decision was seen as a calculated move to keep his legs fresh ahead of his bigger objectives for the season, particularly the upcoming Tirreno-Adriatico, which starts on Monday. The Italian race, often referred to as the “Race of the Two Seas,” is a seven-stage event that includes a mix of flat, hilly, and mountain stages, offering van der Poel the chance to showcase his all-around abilities.

Van der Poel is one of the most dynamic riders in the peloton, known for his aggressive racing style that transcends disciplines. He has dominated the cyclo-cross scene, made a name for himself in the classics, and showed his ability in stage races like the Tour de France. This season, he has set his sights on several key races, and Tirreno-Adriatico is one of his major objectives. While his absence from Strade Bianche was surprising to many, it’s clear that van der Poel is keeping a close eye on the long-term goals that will define his 2025 season.

“Strade Bianche is an amazing race, but I felt that it was more important for me to focus on Tirreno-Adriatico right now,” van der Poel said in a statement. “The race in Italy has always been a key target for me. The roads in Belgium offer a different kind of training for my legs, and I’m excited to see what Tirreno will bring this year.”

Despite van der Poel’s gravel ride in Belgium, all eyes were on a teammate who was stepping into the spotlight in a much bigger way this weekend: Tibor Del Grosso. The 23-year-old Italian has been a rising star in the world of cycling, known for his strong performances in stage races and his tenacity on both the road and gravel. Del Grosso has long been seen as a promising talent, and after years of honing his skills with the team, he is finally set to make his WorldTour debut at Paris-Nice, one of the most prestigious races on the calendar.

Del Grosso’s debut in Paris-Nice marks a key moment in his career. He has already demonstrated his abilities in the Italian domestic scene, with standout results in races like the Giro della Toscana and Coppa Sabatini, but this year, the WorldTour team believes that he is ready to take the next step. His performance at Paris-Nice will be closely watched by his team, fans, and fellow riders, as it offers a glimpse into the future of Italian cycling.

“Making my WorldTour debut at Paris-Nice is a huge honor,” Del Grosso said. “I’ve been working hard for this moment, and I’m excited to show what I can do. It’s going to be a tough race, but I’m ready for the challenge.”

The Rising Star: Tibor Del Grosso

Del Grosso’s talent has never been in question, but the transition to the WorldTour level is a monumental step for any rider. It requires not only physical prowess but also mental toughness and adaptability to navigate the rigors of the highest level of competition. Paris-Nice is no easy race. Known as the “Race to the Sun,” it features brutal climbs, unpredictable weather, and fierce competition, making it one of the ultimate tests for any rider’s early-season form.

For Del Grosso, it’s not just about survival in the race but about proving himself as a future contender in the world of professional cycling. With a growing reputation in Italy, Del Grosso’s WorldTour debut could be the first of many major races in his career, potentially laying the foundation for a future as one of the sport’s key figures.

His inclusion in the team’s lineup for Paris-Nice signals the confidence that the team has in his abilities. Del Grosso has been steadily improving, and his performances on both hilly stages and long, hard efforts in stage races show that he has the all-around capacity to make his mark. It’s no longer a question of “if” but “when” he will step into the limelight.

The Impact of Van der Poel’s Absence

While the eyes of the cycling world were on Del Grosso, many were left wondering why van der Poel chose not to participate in Strade Bianche. The race has become one of the most beloved events of the early-season calendar, attracting a stacked field of riders from across Europe. It’s a race that plays to van der Poel’s strengths, offering an unpredictable mix of gravel and cobblestones, with plenty of room for a strong, aggressive rider to make their mark.

In previous years, van der Poel had been one of the main protagonists in Strade Bianche, but this year he opted to sit out. The decision may seem surprising at first, but van der Poel’s focus on the longer-term goals of his season makes sense. His primary objectives for 2025 are firmly set on the upcoming Tirreno-Adriatico and the classics in April, with the Tour de France on the horizon as the centerpiece of his season. Missing out on Strade Bianche may have been a tactical decision to avoid overexertion, especially given the intensity of the upcoming Italian race.

That said, van der Poel’s absence has allowed other riders to shine on the Tuscan gravel roads. Riders like Wout van Aert, Tadej Pogacar, and the emerging talents in the peloton have seized the opportunity to take center stage, adding more excitement and drama to an already thrilling race.

For the fans who missed seeing van der Poel on the Strade Bianche gravel, the hope remains that he will be back next year, ready to battle for one of the most prestigious one-day victories in cycling. In the meantime, he will focus on his training, recovery, and building momentum for the next phase of his 2025 season.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Van der Poel and Del Grosso?

As Mathieu van der Poel prepares for Tirreno-Adriatico starting Monday, he’s focused on delivering his best performance in the Italian stage race. The competition will be fierce, and van der Poel’s versatility as a sprinter, climber, and all-around rider will make him a formidable contender.

For Tibor Del Grosso, Paris-Nice will be the first step in a potentially career-defining year. His team will be watching closely to see how he handles the WorldTour pressure, but one thing is certain: the 23-year-old Italian is ready to make his mark on the sport.

In cycling, every race is an opportunity to redefine your career, and both van der Poel and Del Grosso have the potential to do just that. While van der Poel may have opted for a gravel spin in Belgium, and Del Grosso may be racing his first WorldTour event, both riders are poised for a year that could see them at the forefront of the sport. Whether on gravel, tarmac, or mountain climbs, their futures in the cycling world are undoubtedly bright.