'That reduces my chances' - Van der Poel on facing fifth-row start at MTB Worlds

Mathieu van der Poel will start Sunday’s elite men’s cross-country race from the fifth row as he bids for his first mountain bike world title at Val di Sole.

The Dutchman has already won world titles on the road, in cyclocross and gravel, and victory in Italy would make him the first male rider to become an elite world champion in four different disciplines.

Van der Poel heads into the race encouraged by his return to mountain biking at Les Gets last weekend, where he finished narrowly second behind Adrien Boichis in the Cross-Country event.

“That went better than expected,” Van der Poel told media including Sporza.  “The short track didn't go so well, but I felt much better on Sunday. Mountain biking doesn't lie, so hopefully I can take another step forward."

"Things went well in Les Gets last year too, yet the World Championship was a disappointment, so I know a good race guarantees nothing.”

The fifth-row start will make Sunday’s race more difficult. Van der Poel was able to move into the lead early at Les Gets after starting from the second row, but he will have more work to do in the early stages in Italy.

“That reduces my chances. In Les Gets, you saw what a huge difference it makes when you can start at the front. You're immediately in the race.”

Van der Poel will also face plenty of stiff competition on Sunday, with the likes of Boichis, two-time defending champion Alan Hatherly and former world champion and two-time Olympic champion Tom Pidcock among the contenders. 

Van der Poel also hasn’t hidden the fact that becoming world champion on the mountain bike is a major goal for him, but the Dutchman doesn’t believe this year’s edition is make or break, as he looks to continue mountain biking in the coming years.

“This is a really important goal for me. Although it would be too simplistic to say that I need this title to have a successful career. I won't look back on my career with disappointment if I never become world champion,” he said.

“But of course, I want to add it to my list of achievements. If it doesn't work out this year, hopefully there will be another chance.”