Van der Poel to continue as triple threat until 2024 Olympics

ByCarrie Dunn

Published 13/05/2020 at 20:28 GMT

Mathieu van der Poel says he wants to continue riding in all three cycling disciplines - at least until the 2024 Olympic Games.

The Alpecin-Fenix rider is the current cyclo-cross world champion, and was hoping to compete in the mountain bike competition at this summer's Olympic Games.

"I want to continue to combine the three disciplines," Van der Poel told reporters. "As it looks now, I'll stay on the mountain bike until Paris [2024].

"That also gives me an extra three years to try to become world champion in that discipline. I really love mountain biking."

Giro d'Italia

Brennan wins final stage of Giro Next Gen, GC glory for Widar

00:01:03

|

16 hours ago

#OnThisDay: 'There is nothing this man cannot do!' - Highlights as Van der Poel wins Brabantse Pijl

On the road he is yet to make his Grand Tour debut - but hopes that will happen soon.

"Normally, the focus would have moved very quickly to the Grand Tours, to try to ride a Grand Tour for two to three years," Van der Poel said.

"Then I can switch back to mountain biking and ride some more World Cups in between which can be combined with a Grand Tour. That way I can stay at the top of the ranking.

"The uniqueness of what I do, combining mountain biking, road cycling and cyclo-cross – I want to try to keep that up for as long as possible."

Cycling

BMX star Jones credit lads' holiday with putting him on the path to Paris 2024

17 hours ago

Tour de Suisse

Highlights: Yates secures GC glory at Tour of Switzerland, Almeida wins time trial on Stage 8

00:06:11

|

15 hours ago

Baloise Belgium Tour

Highlights: Merlier outsprints Philipsen on Stage 8 of Tour of Belgium, GC glory for Waerenskjold

00:02:06

|

18 hours ago