'Not very concerned' – Van der Poel on rivals ahead of Amstel Gold Race

Mathieu van der Poel is aiming to maintain his excellent form as he targets victory at the Amstel Gold Race, adding that he is “not very concerned” by the concept of rivals ahead of the race.

Van der Poel is looking to win his home country Classic after already securing victory at De Ronde and Paris-Roubaix.

The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider looked ahead to both Amstel and next Sunday’s Liege-Bastonge-Liege event, saying: “Now it’s a question of keeping that form for the next 10 days. And that will be necessary because both in Amstel and next Sunday in Liège-Bastogne-Liège we will have a field of competitors with other, perhaps fresher riders.”

There had been speculation that the Dutchman would not take part in Liege-Bastogne-Liege to keep his powder dry for other events, but it is now clear he is chasing more success in near future.

He added: “Of course, I like to return to the Amstel Gold Race. My victory in 2019 is one I will never forget.

“The spectacular outcome still appeals to fans’ imagination, and it was also my first really big win on the road. Those are moments you cherish.”

Van der Poel finished fourth in 2022, and compared the event to the Tour of Flanders due to their being, “lots of turns and steep hills, but without cobblestones.”

He went to research the course for Amstel in midweek, and commented: “Not that that was much needed, because I obviously know the roads in Dutch Limburg. But it was good to refresh the memory, and that can never be a bad thing.”

He noted that his team were full of potential winners and challengers to his tilt, including Søren Kragh Andersen, Quinten Hermans, and Gianni Vermeersch.

He said: “Who I consider my main rivals? As you know, I’m not very concerned with that. Neither have I looked at the participants list yet. It may sound cliché, but I mainly go by my own strength and that of our team.

“We have proven in recent weeks that as a team we can take control of the race when necessary.

“Also on Sunday I will be well surrounded, with guys who have all proven that they are in good shape. And we’ve got a lot of positive momentum. I think we can travel to Maastricht feeling confident.”