Van der Poel warns of major World Championship obstacle despite strong MTB return

Van der Poel finished second behind Adrien Boichis on Sunday after staying in contention for victory until the final lap. The performance was an important confidence boost before the World Championships in Val di Sole, where he will once again attempt to add a mountain bike rainbow jersey to his collection.

His main concern, however, is not his form.

"The starting position is very important and there I will be on the fifth row again," Van der Poel said. "So I will need a little bit of luck."

In Les Gets, Van der Poel had the advantage of lining up on the second row after finishing tenth in the short track race. Rather than having to work his way through a crowded field in the opening laps, he was immediately able to follow the main contenders.

"It makes a big difference when you can start from the first two rows," he explained. "I was immediately in the leading group."

"I really enjoyed being able to fight at the front again. It had been quite a long time."

The Dutchman had not raced a full cross country event for almost a year, but there was little sign of rust once the race began. He remained close to Boichis through the decisive stages and was still in position to challenge for victory when the pair approached the final technical section.

Van der Poel had hoped to get there first.

"I wanted to be the first rider into the final technical section, but he was just a little too strong to pass," he said. "After that I was already on my limit."

The final margin was small, but Van der Poel felt he was missing the last bit of sharpness required to turn a podium finish into a victory.

"I think I was just missing a little bit of power at the end to win, but I am happy with the performance," he said. "I know how high the level is."

That assessment will offer encouragement before Val di Sole. Van der Poel was able to match established World Cup specialists despite his limited mountain bike programme, and his return showed that he can compete at the front without needing a long run of races to rediscover the pace of the discipline.

He remains cautious about what the result means for the World Championships.

Van der Poel pointed to last season as a reminder that a strong performance in Les Gets does not automatically translate into a successful World Championship campaign.

"It is a nice result, but last year I also had a good race here and then the following week I was not very good," he said.

When asked afterwards whether winning on the Champs Élysées or winning in Les Gets was harder, Van der Poel responded with a smile.

"Well, I did not win today," he said. "So I guess this is harder."