Mathieu van der Poel Triumph at Le Samyn: “It Has Been a While Since We Saw This Version of Him”

Thijs Zonneveld Pleased to See “Sprinter” Mathieu van der Poel Triumph at Le Samyn: “It Has Been a While Since We Saw This Version of Him”

Mathieu van der Poel’s dominant victory at Le Samyn 2025 has sparked admiration across the cycling world, with Dutch analyst and former rider Thijs Zonneveld particularly impressed by the world champion’s performance. Van der Poel, known for his explosive attacks and versatility, surprised many by winning in a sprint—an aspect of his skillset that has not been on full display for some time.

“It has been a while since we saw this version of him,” Zonneveld remarked. “We know Van der Poel as the rider who breaks races apart with his power and relentless attacks. But this time, he played it smart, stayed patient, and won in a pure sprint. That’s a reminder of just how complete he is as a rider.”

The Alpecin-Deceuninck leader had entered Le Samyn as one of the top favorites, but his victory was far from straightforward. The Belgian semi-classic, known for its cobbled sectors and aggressive racing, saw numerous attacks throughout the day. Van der Poel, however, controlled the race expertly, marking key moves and ensuring he was in prime position for the final sprint.

With a reduced group arriving at the finish, the expectation was that a traditional sprinter might have the edge. But Van der Poel unleashed a powerful finishing kick, leaving his rivals with no chance. His sprinting ability, once a major strength in his early career, had taken a backseat in recent seasons as he focused more on long-range attacks and classics-style racing.

“This proves once again that he can win in so many different ways,” Zonneveld added. “He has won monument classics, time trials, solo attacks, and now, he reminds us that he can sprint with the best as well. It’s a great sign for the rest of the spring.”

Van der Poel’s victory at Le Samyn sets the stage for an exciting classics campaign, where he will be one of the top contenders for major races like Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix. If his sprinting legs are back in top form, it will only add another weapon to his already formidable arsenal.

With this triumph, Van der Poel not only reinforced his status as one of the most complete riders in the peloton but also sent a warning to his rivals—he can win anytime, anywhere, and in any way he chooses.