Mathieu van der Poel was hoping to officially wear his rainbow jersey for the first time during the Eurométropole Tour. However, there might be changes in his schedule that could result in an earlier debut of the jersey. There is a possibility that he might participate in the Bretagne Classic competition on September 3rd, where the presence of the world champion is expected.
According to the French newspaper Ouest-France, the Bretagne Classic, formerly known as GP Plouay, will not only see van der Poel in action but also Jasper Philipsen. If they are present, they will be the top favorites for victory in the hilly classic, which was won by Wout van Aert last year. Philipsen is currently participating in the Renewi Tour, experiencing success since the start of the Tour de France.
It was previously announced that Van der Poel would participate in the Circuit Franco-Belge on September 28, a Flemish race that suits him well. Although his team Alpecin-Deceuninck has not yet confirmed this. Van der Poel would also compete in more road races, according to the Ouest-France.
Van der Poel has raced in Brittany before. Of course, in the 2021 Tour de France, where he won on the Mur de Bretagne, but also during the 2020 European Championship. It was on the same route as the Bretagne Classic-Ouest France. Last year, the victory in that French race went to Wout van Aert. For now, Tadej Pogacar, Julian Alaphilippe, and Mads Pedersen, among others, are also on the initial list.