Issues: Pogacar Tadej,Whether the Dutch national coach is present or not My day went well.

**Dutch National Coach Optimistic About Mathieu van der Poel’s World Championships Prospects Despite Challenges**

As the European Championships approach, taking place in Belgium within the next month, the Dutch national team is gearing up with promising riders, particularly Mathieu van der Poel and Olav Kooij. The Dutch national coach, Koos Moerenhout, has expressed both confidence and caution about the team’s chances, emphasizing their strategic positioning and the formidable competition they face.

 

Van der Poel, known for his explosive riding style and success in various terrains, will be a crucial asset for the Dutch team in the European Championships. Alongside him, Olav Kooij is expected to play a pivotal role. Kooij, who performed admirably in last year’s European Championships, has been selected over Dutch champion Dylan Groenewegen for his proven strengths in classic-style races. Moerenhout’s decision was influenced by Kooij’s recent strong performance at the Tour of Poland, where he secured two stage victories. This form, coupled with Kooij’s capabilities in classic-style races, made him a preferable choice for the upcoming European Championships.

 

The team’s strategy involves leveraging Van der Poel’s ability to navigate the cobbled sectors of the race, while Kooij is anticipated to be a key player in potential sprint finishes. Despite this strong lineup, Moerenhout remains cautious about the team’s chances, acknowledging the strength of the Belgian team, which will feature riders like Jasper Philipsen and Tim Merlier, along with potential contenders such as Wout van Aert and Remco Evenepoel. Moerenhout suggested that the Belgian team might be the favorites due to their own formidable roster.

 

Looking ahead to the World Championships later in the season, which will be held in Zurich, Moerenhout is optimistic about Van der Poel’s prospects but recognizes the challenges posed by the course. The Zurich circuit is known for its significant climbs, with the main ascent being almost 3 kilometers long. This type of course poses a different challenge compared to the explosive efforts where Van der Poel typically excels. Nevertheless, Moerenhout believes that Van der Poel is not without a chance and stresses that the most important factor will be Van der Poel starting the race at his best level. He acknowledges that riders like Tadej Pogacar or Remco Evenepoel could be formidable opponents if they have a good day, given the challenging nature of the Zurich course.

 

Moerenhout’s perspective reflects a balanced view of the upcoming races. While he is confident in the abilities of Van der Poel and the Dutch team, he is also aware of the strong competition and the unique challenges presented by different race courses. The emphasis on Van der Poel’s form and the strategic decisions made for the European Championships highlight the Dutch team’s careful planning and readiness for the season’s key events.

 

In summary, as the European Championships approach, the Dutch national team, led by Mathieu van der Poel and Olav Kooij, is positioning itself as a strong contender. Moerenhout’s optimism about their chances, tempered by recognition of the formidable competition, sets the stage for an exciting racing season. Looking further ahead to the World Championships in Zurich, Van der Poel’s ability to adapt to a challenging course will be crucial, and the Dutch team’s performance will be keenly watched as they navigate these high-stakes events.