Mathieu van der Poel is preparing for a major change of plans for the season finale. After finishing second in the Renewi Tour, beaten in the sprint by Arnaud De Lie on the final stage, the Dutch champion from Alpecin-Deceuninck is preparing to temporarily retire from road cycling to dedicate himself to mountain biking.

The goal is ambitious: to win the MTB world title in Crans-Montana on September 14th: "I'm positive about my condition," Van der Poel told VTM Nieuws. "This was exactly what I needed. The effort I had to make in the final stages was very similar to that of a mountain bike race."

Despite failing to beat De Lie in the final sprint of the Renewi Tour, the Dutch champion said he was satisfied with his form: " I gave it my all in the first sprint, but I was at my limit. Even on Friday in Geraardsbergen, where I won the stage, I noticed that I was quickly reaching my limit." The transition from road to mountain biking will require some adjustments: " I've already trained a few times on a mountain bike to get used to the position, which is the most important change."

Before the World Championships, Van der Poel will compete in the World Cup race in Les Gets, where he will start from the fourth row due to a lack of UCI points: " In mountain biking, the start is even more important than in cyclocross. My chances of becoming world champion are still slim, but I think I've done a good job this week in terms of fitness. Now, a few days of rest, then Les Gets will be the real test."

Photo: Sprint Cycling Agency