Christoph Roodhooft Reveals Why Mathieu van der Poel Shuns Strade Bianche

Strategic Shift for Mathieu van der Poel

Mathieu van der Poel will skip Strade Bianche in 2026 despite his historic triumph five years ago. Alpecin-Deceuninck team boss Christoph Roodhooft suggests the race has evolved beyond the Dutch champion’s current technical priorities. The Tuscan classic identifies as a prestigious fixture, yet its increasing physical difficulty has forced a recalibration of the rider’s spring schedule.

The Evolution of the Tuscan Classic

The primary reasoning behind the absence involves the race’s growing vertical demands. Roodhooft estimates that the total elevation gain has increased by 20% to 25% compared to the 2021 edition. Such a profile pushes the event out of reach for traditional punchy classics specialists.

“In the past, this race was already on the limit for the classic, punchy riders. But back then, it could still just about work. Now it is over that limit.”

Also read: How to Watch Strade Bianche 2026

In 2021, Mathieu van der Poel famously neutralized Julian Alaphilippe and Egan Bernal on Le Tolfe before storming into Siena. Since that peak performance, he has only competed once in Tuscany, finishing 15th in 2023. The data suggests the current course favoring pure climbers or lightweight all-rounders over powerhouse sprinters.

Facing Elite Competition

Tactical considerations regarding rivals heavily influence the Alpecin-Premier Tech strategy. Roodhooft highlights the difficulty of matching Tadej Pogacar or Tom Pidcock on terrain that rewards sustained climbing power on loose gravel surfaces.

Also read: Strade Bianche 2026 Odds and Favorites

“If you run into Pidcock or Pogacar at 100% it would be very hard. And yes: then Mathieu is better off focusing on other races.”

The team views the window between Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Tirreno-Adriatico as a critical foundation for building form. Rather than risking exhaustion in Siena, the focus remains on the cobbled Classics and the Monuments where Van der Poel dominates. Preparation blocks take precedence over the undeniable aesthetic appeal of the gravel paths. While Roodhooft admits the rider regrets missing such an attractive event, he remains pragmatic about the competitive reality of the modern route. Keep following TipsGG for more cycling analysis.