Alpecin - Deceuninck team's Dutch rider Mathieu Van Der Poel (R) and Jumbo-Visma team's Belgian rider Wout Van Aert wearing the sprinter's green jersey (L) cycle in a breakaway during the 11th stage of the 109th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, 151,7 km between Albertville and Col du Granon Serre Chevalier, in the French Alps, on July 13, 2022. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

During the interview on The Geraint Thomas Cycling Club podcast, the Dutch cyclist addressed once again the existing rivalry with Van Aert.

girodociclismo.com.br mathieu van der poel afirma a amizade com wout van aert pode ficar para depois de nossas carreiras image

“We should also be grateful to each other because we have been challenging each other for about ten years. I know I have to be 110 percent if I want to beat Wout. In Cyclocross and on the road. He is an extremely tough opponent, and there is a lot of mutual respect.”

As two of the best cyclists in the world, they are often asked about the nature of their friendship. However, Van der Poel argues that it’s challenging to be friends with someone who has been a rival for so long. In this perspective, he finds support from Thomas.

girodociclismo.com.br mathieu van der poel afirma a amizade com wout van aert pode ficar para depois de nossas carreiras image 1 — The rivalry with Wout Van Aert (blue) began in Cyclocross.

“I’m fine with Remco, but this is another rivalry I have. Wout is more of a rival than a friend, but we always respect each other. It’s also a good way for us to relate.”

“Wout is also someone who ensures that I stay focused. It would be strange to be friends with that person, but maybe it’s something for after our careers. Right now, we’re just rivals, with a lot of respect for each other.”

Mathieu Van der Poel states, “Friendship with Wout van Aert can wait until after our careers”