'I would love to go back to Strade Bianche' - Mathieu van der Poel reveals regrets about missing Italian Classic

Mathieu van der Poel, currently competing at Tirreno-Adriatico, has publicly expressed regret over missing the recent Strade Bianche. The Alpecin-Deceuninck star, who won the Italian classic in 2021, stated he "would love to go back" and that it was "a pity" he wasn't on the start line this year. His current focus remains on building form for the upcoming cobbled Classics, a strategy he hopes will culminate in victories at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.

This admission from Van der Poel is notable, given his usual unwavering focus. Strade Bianche, with its distinctive white roads, is a race perfectly suited to his explosive style, and his 2021 triumph remains one of his most memorable. His absence this year, while strategically sound for his broader Classics ambitions, left a palpable gap in the peloton's star power. It also underscores the perennial challenge for top riders: balancing the desire to compete in every major event with the necessity of targeted preparation for their ultimate goals.

Ultimately, Van der Poel's wistful glance back at Siena suggests a racer who, despite his formidable discipline, still feels the pull of a great race. A true champion, it seems, can never quite shake the desire to conquer every challenge.