Get ready for an intense ride as we dive into the world of Mathieu van der Poel and his infamous 'MVDP Classic'! This annual event has become a legend in the cycling community, and this year's edition promises to be no exception.
The question on everyone's lips: Will van der Poel grace us with his presence at the Cyclo-Cross World Cup in Benidorm? Despite the uncertainty, one thing is certain - van der Poel has arrived, and he's brought a crew of dedicated training partners for a challenging adventure.
For those unfamiliar, the 'MVDP Classic' is a grueling training ride along the Spanish coastline, a tradition van der Poel started in 2024. Last year, riders like Freddy Ovett, Jonas Rickaert, Quinten Hermans, and Timo Kielich joined him, and this year, an equally impressive group has answered the call.
Instagram reveals that seven riders joined van der Poel for this epic journey. His trusted teammates Jonas Rickaert, Edward Planckaert, and Jasper Philipsen were there, along with the Van Dijke brothers and Jordi Meeus from Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe. And let's not forget Luke Verburg, a regular training partner, who was also part of this elite crew.
Now, here's where it gets interesting. According to Verburg's Strava data, this eight-man group covered an astonishing 230 kilometers in just under six hours! That's an average speed of 38.2 km/h, and let's not forget the Spanish hills they conquered. With nearly 3,000 meters of elevation gain, this was no ordinary ride.
Van der Poel's physical readiness is undeniable, but will he actually compete in Benidorm? While the decision remains uncertain, national coach Gerben de Knegt has included him in the selection for Sunday's race. The newly crowned Dutch champions Tibor Del Grosso and Ceylin Alvarado are also confirmed starters, adding to the excitement.
So, will van der Poel's presence at the World Cup be the icing on the cake, or will he opt for a different path? And this is the part most people miss - the beauty of cycling lies in its unpredictability. Stay tuned, and let's discuss in the comments! Are you team van der Poel, or do you think he should focus on other races?
