Van der Poel hits back at Flanders criticism: 'Not riding would have been anti-racing'

“I’m realistic enough to know I can’t keep that streak going forever. There will be a year when it doesn’t work out,” he said during a press conference in quotes collected by Sporza.

It’s a calm answer from a rider who rarely races that way. When asked about joining the select group of four time winners with Roger De Vlaeminck and Tom Boonen, he plays it down. “I just try to win, and then the record comes naturally.”

Despite his loss against Tadej Pogačar in the Tour of Flanders, there is no real change in the plan for Sunday. He’ll approach the race the same way as always, on instinct. “I will race as I always do, on feeling, and I’ll look at the situation. In Roubaix anything can happen. You have to stay alert at the front and get through the sectors as safely as possible.”

Despite the slightly changed course, the key points hasn't according to van der Poel.

“The Forest of Wallers remains the most dangerous sector. The smaller the group there, the better.”

Beyond that, he expects the race to unfold much like it usually does. “I expect another elimination race with the same kind of scenario.”

That scenario will likely include Tadej Pogačar again. Even on terrain that doesn’t naturally suit him, Van der Poel isn’t ruling him out. “This race is maybe even harder for him to win, but nobody will say he’s not capable. You need a bit of luck, but he already showed last year that he has that as well.”

Like Van der Poel, Pogačar is also on the edge of history, with a chance to complete his set of Monument wins.

Van der Poel’s tactics in Flanders, where he worked with the stronger looking World Champion, sparked debate in the days that followed among media and analysts. But he sees little point in second guessing those moments.

“I did what I had to do. I was in a position to win, but I don’t see how not working would have changed the outcome or improved my chances. Not riding would also have been a bit anti- racing. Tadej and I will cross paths for years to come. It’s better that we get along well.”

It’s the same straightforward tone he uses when the conversation shifts to the numbers that caused a stir after the E3 Saxo Classic. His power file, widely shared and quickly questioned, didn’t need much explaining in his view.

“That number has been analysed and it’s correct. Otherwise I wouldn’t have shared it. It was just to show how hard it was on my own in that wind.”

He shrugs at the reaction that followed. “Some so called experts had their opinion again. I don’t share things on Strava often, but sometimes it’s nice to put something out there.”

For him, it said more than enough. “It was good to see that at my age I can still improve, because I have to race against Tadej Pogačar, maybe the best rider ever.”