When Remco Went, I Knew It Was a Really Dangerous Moment”: Mathieu van der Poel Reflects on Olympic Road Race Defeat
The Olympic Games, with their global stage and unparalleled prestige, often produce moments of intense drama and raw emotion. The men’s road race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was no exception. For Dutch cycling star Mathieu van der Poel, the event was a stark reminder of the fine margins between victory and defeat, especially when competing against the world’s best.
Held under the sweltering summer sun of Tokyo, the road race course was both physically demanding and technically challenging. The 234-kilometer route included several punishing climbs, with the formidable Mikuni Pass standing out as the most brutal of them all. Riders who could excel in such conditions were expected to come to the fore, and the race did not disappoint.
As the race entered its decisive phase, a select group of elite riders remained in contention for the gold medal. Among them were some of the biggest names in cycling: Wout van Aert, Tadej Pogačar, and the reigning world champion, Julian Alaphilippe. But it was Remco Evenepoel, the young Belgian sensation, who made the decisive move that would shape the outcome of the race.
Mathieu van der Poel, known for his aggressive racing style and exceptional talent, was one of the pre-race favorites. The Dutchman had been in stellar form throughout the season, winning prestigious races and demonstrating his versatility across different disciplines. However, as the race neared its climax, van der Poel found himself in a precarious position.
“When Remco went, I knew it was a really dangerous moment,” van der Poel later admitted. Evenepoel’s attack on the Mikuni Pass was nothing short of spectacular. The young Belgian unleashed a ferocious burst of speed that quickly put him clear of the chasing group. His acceleration was so sudden and powerful that it caught many of his rivals off guard, including van der Poel.
Van der Poel, realizing the threat posed by Evenepoel’s move, attempted to respond. However, the effort required to close the gap proved to be too much. The searing pace, combined with the relentless gradient of the climb, took its toll on van der Poel’s legs. Despite his best efforts, the gap to Evenepoel continued to grow, and the Dutchman was forced to accept that the gold medal was slipping out of reach.
For van der Poel, the realization that he was unable to match Evenepoel’s attack was a bitter pill to swallow. “You always go into a race with the hope and expectation of winning, especially at the Olympics,” he said. “But sometimes, you have to acknowledge that someone else is stronger on the day.”
Van der Poel’s respect for Evenepoel was evident in his post-race comments. “Remco is an incredible rider,” he remarked. “He’s young, but he’s already achieved so much. When he made that move, I knew it would be difficult to bring him back. He deserved the win.”
The Dutchman also reflected on the broader context of the race, noting the high level of competition and the unique challenges posed by the Olympic course. “It was a really tough race, probably one of the hardest I’ve ever done,” van der Poel said. “The heat, the climbs, the pressure of representing your country—everything combined to make it a really challenging day.”
While the disappointment of missing out on an Olympic medal was palpable, van der Poel was quick to put the experience into perspective. “Of course, it’s disappointing not to win, but that’s cycling,” he said. “You have good days and bad days. Today, I gave everything I had, but it wasn’t enough. I’ll take the lessons from this race and use them to become a better rider.”
Van der Poel’s comments underscored his resilience and determination. Despite the setback, he remained focused on his future goals, including defending his world championship title and continuing to excel in both road and cyclo-cross disciplines.
The Olympic road race in Tokyo was a testament to the unpredictable and often unforgiving nature of cycling. For Mathieu van der Poel, it was a race that highlighted the fine margins between success and failure at the highest level of the sport. Remco Evenepoel’s decisive move on the Mikuni Pass was a reminder that, in cycling, a single moment of brilliance can be the difference between victory and defeat.
As van der Poel continues his career, the lessons learned from the Olympic road race will undoubtedly shape his approach to future challenges. His acknowledgment of Evenepoel’s strength and his acceptance of defeat with grace and humility reflect the true spirit of sportsmanship. And while the gold medal eluded him in Tokyo, van der Poel’s quest for greatness in cycling remains very much alive.
