Alpecin-Deceuninck Rider Triumphs in Cobble-Laden Semi-Classic
Mathieu van der Poel marked his return to road racing in impressive fashion, clinching victory in Le Samyn on Tuesday, his first race of the 2025 season.
The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider entered the cobbled semi-Classic late, but his decision to race paid off as he powered past Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step) and Emilien Jeannière (TotalEnergies) in a final sprint to Dour.
This was Van der Poel’s first road race since his historic victory in the cyclo-cross World Championships last month, where he secured a record-equalling seventh title. The Dutch star had initially planned to start his road season at Tirreno-Adriatico next week, but surprised fans by announcing his participation in Le Samyn just the day before. “If the itch gets too strong, you just have to race,” he said.
The race looked set for a sprint finish after a strong breakaway was reeled in 14 kilometers from the line. Van der Poel opted against attempting a solo attack, choosing instead to conserve energy for the sprint, a decision that proved to be the right one. The 30-year-old showed his strength in a different style, securing the win in the final meters.
“I was feeling pretty strong during the race, but it wasn’t hard enough to make a difference,” Van der Poel said after the race. “I knew I could win in a finish like this, so I saved my legs for the sprint. I’m really happy with this win.”
With a finish that featured a slight climb followed by a cobbled stretch in the final five minutes, the race posed a challenge that suited Van der Poel’s strengths. “It’s very, very hard,” he remarked. “I opened my sprint with confidence, and it was enough to win.”
Le Samyn, a race known for its 20 cobbled sectors, took place mostly around a circuit in Dour, Belgium—terrain that Van der Poel thrives on. His sights are now set on the Monuments, including Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix, with a potential record-breaking fourth win at Flanders.
Van der Poel’s victory also marked Alpecin-Deceuninck’s second consecutive win on cobbles, following Jasper Philipsen’s triumph at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne on Sunday.
In the women’s race earlier on Tuesday, Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) won Le Samyn with a dominant sprint, claiming her fourth victory of the season.
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