In the world of professional cycling, few riders possess the kind of versatility and raw talent that Mathieu van der Poel does. Known for his ability to dominate across various terrains, the Dutchman has often been a force to be reckoned with, particularly in one-day classics and stage races. However, despite consistently showing glimpses of brilliance, Van der Poel once again found himself falling just short of securing a victory at the prestigious Tirreno-Adriatico, a race that traditionally serves as a crucial preparation for the upcoming Milan-San Remo.
While it may have been a case of “that sucks a bit” for Van der Poel, as he admitted after the race, the result is not a complete loss. In fact, his performance on the final stages of the race, particularly the brutal hills of Le Marche, confirmed that the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider’s form is coming along nicely as he edges closer to one of his biggest targets of the season – the Milan-San Remo.
Stage 5: Struggles and Triumphs on the Climbs of Le Marche
Van der Poel’s Tirreno-Adriatico campaign seemed to follow a familiar pattern in 2025. Despite strong showings across the flat stages, including his typical attacking style and ability to push the pace on a variety of terrains, the Dutchman wasn’t able to seize the coveted stage win. Stage 5, in particular, was a gut-check moment for Van der Poel, as the riders took on the brutal climbs in the hills of Le Marche.
The stage featured several challenging ascents, with steep gradients and tricky road conditions that played to the strengths of climbers and punchers, rather than the all-around capabilities of someone like Van der Poel. As the peloton ascended the final climb, which rose to a breathtaking view of the Adriatic coastline, Van der Poel, who had shown good form up until then, began to feel the sting of the hills.
“I was on the limit there,” Van der Poel admitted after crossing the line, his face etched with the exhaustion of the day’s efforts. “That sucks a bit. I was hoping to do more, but it wasn’t my day. The climb was tough, and I struggled to follow the moves in the final kilometers. But the legs are coming around, and it’s all about keeping focus on the bigger picture.”
Despite the frustration, Van der Poel managed to keep himself in contention throughout the stage, maintaining a steady position in the peloton until the final few kilometers. He couldn’t match the explosive pace of the climbers as they went for the win, but he did manage to stay in touch with the leading group, proving his resilience and strength under pressure.
Preparation for Milan-San Remo: A Silver Lining
While the outcome of Tirreno-Adriatico wasn’t ideal for Van der Poel, he has always been a rider who looks forward, not backward. For him, the primary goal is Milan-San Remo, a race he’s often mentioned as one of his main objectives every season. The “Corsa dei Due Mari” is one of the most prestigious one-day races on the calendar, and Van der Poel has always been a contender for a podium finish.
Though he didn’t manage to secure a stage victory at Tirreno-Adriatico, his performance during the race is still indicative of a rider who is building towards a peak. Specifically, Stage 5’s grueling climbs were an important test for Van der Poel’s preparation. While he wasn’t able to match the climbers, he showed that his legs were still strong enough to survive a tough day on the bike.
Milan-San Remo is renowned for its long, winding route along the Italian coast, and while it’s not a race for pure climbers, it can still be unforgiving in its later stages, particularly when riders tackle the Cipressa and the Poggio climbs. For Van der Poel, these ascents are not a barrier, but an opportunity to showcase his raw power and ability to recover quickly. His ride in Le Marche was a crucial step in his buildup, as the tough climbs of the region resemble the kind of intensity he will face in Milan-San Remo.
“I know that Milan-San Remo is a different race, but these kinds of climbs are similar to what we’ll face in the final hours of the race,” said Van der Poel. “It’s all about maintaining that rhythm, not overexerting yourself too early, and ensuring that you can finish strong. Today was another test, and I feel like I’m on the right path.”
Alpecin-Deceuninck’s Support and Strategy
One of the key elements of Van der Poel’s success in the upcoming classics will be the support he receives from his team, Alpecin-Deceuninck. The squad has consistently shown that they are capable of backing their star rider in big races, and their strategy throughout Tirreno-Adriatico demonstrated their understanding of his needs.
Team tactics are critical in stage races, particularly when a rider like Van der Poel is eyeing a big one-day classic after a stage race. Alpecin-Deceuninck has always been adept at keeping Van der Poel protected in the peloton, ensuring that he doesn’t waste energy and is in the right position for key moments. While the team wasn’t able to secure a stage win in Tirreno-Adriatico, their strategy was clear: support Van der Poel’s overall goal of building form for Milan-San Remo.
On Stage 5, the team worked hard to keep Van der Poel in a favorable position before the final climb. Despite the setbacks, their collective effort ensured that he would still be in the mix for the upcoming stages.
Looking Ahead: Milan-San Remo and the Classics Season
As the 2025 season moves forward, all eyes will be on Van der Poel as he continues to build up for Milan-San Remo. While Tirreno-Adriatico didn’t result in the stage wins he had hoped for, the Dutchman is widely regarded as one of the top contenders for the “Primavera.” His ability to recover from difficult moments, combined with his unrivaled power and explosiveness, makes him one of the most dangerous riders in the race.
Van der Poel’s form at Tirreno-Adriatico, particularly his ability to survive difficult climbs like those in Le Marche, proves that he is well on track for a successful campaign in the coming months. Though Milan-San Remo is a different challenge altogether, his performances in recent years suggest that the Italian classic could very well be his to win in 2025.
Moreover, the pressure of falling short in stage victories may only drive Van der Poel harder as the season progresses. The Dutchman is known for his resilience and relentless drive, and it’s only a matter of time before that persistence pays off with a major victory. Whether it’s at Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, or another one-day classic, Van der Poel’s ambition and competitive spirit will keep him at the forefront of the cycling world.
Conclusion
Mathieu van der Poel may not have secured a victory at Tirreno-Adriatico, but his performance is far from a disappointment. Stage 5, though a tough day for him, showcased his resilience and the form he’s building ahead of Milan-San Remo. With the classics season rapidly approaching, Van der Poel remains one of the biggest threats in the peloton, and his fans will undoubtedly be hoping that he can convert his promising form into success when the biggest one-day races of the season roll around.
The road to Milan-San Remo is still a few weeks away, but Van der Poel’s test at Tirreno-Adriatico suggests that he’s shaping up to be a key player in the 2025 classic season. As he reflects on his narrow miss in Italy, one thing is clear: the best of Mathieu van der Poel may still be yet to come.
