Mathieu Van der Poel doesn't want to draw too much attention to himself and is approaching tomorrow's World Championships in Zurich without too much fanfare.

The title holder, given the characteristics of the course, knows that he is not the favourite compared to Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel , but the feeling is that he wants to take the pressure off and then try to surprise everyone.

“Remco Evenepoel and Tadej Pogacar will have the disadvantage that everyone will focus on them,” the world champion told Wielerflits . “When you are the favourite it is always like that. Does this make the race easier for me? I don’t think they will just let me go. But they will definitely look at themselves more, and as a result they might look at me a little less. You always have to believe in your own possibilities. I am a realist and I know it will be difficult to win, but difficult doesn’t mean impossible. I have done everything I could to have a good condition and good legs. So I hope to have a good race on Sunday.

Obviously I see Remco and Tadej on the podium, and in third place I put Matteo Jorgenson. Me? I position myself slightly below the favorites, but I could also manage to get on the podium”.

So, watch out for Van der Poel , because it is true that the Zurich route is more suited to the characteristics of riders who are stronger on climbs, but if we take inspiration from the Under 23 race, with the victory of the German giant Behrens , why not give Mathieu a chance too?

You still have one day to enter your formations in Fantacycling and choose whether or not to have Van der Poel in your formation. We remind you that you can also participate in the special League created specifically for the World Championship : with a contribution of one euro and ninety-nine cents, you have the opportunity to take home fantastic gifts.

Photo: Sprint Cycling Agency