“If you don’t know it’s Del Grosso, you’d think it’s Van der Poel” – Alpecin May Be Growing the Next Classics Superstar
The words hung in the air, a bold declaration delivered with a knowing smile. They weren’t spoken by a casual observer, but by someone deeply embedded in the world of professional cycling, someone with an eye for talent and a history of identifying future champions. The subject of this pronouncement? 19-year-old Davide Del Grosso, a young rider quietly making waves within the formidable Alpecin-Deceuninck development structure. The comparison? None other than the reigning king of the cobbled classics, Mathieu van der Poel.
It’s a comparison that, on the surface, might seem audacious, even premature. Van der Poel is a generational talent, a multi-disciplinary superstar whose explosive power, audacious tactics, and sheer will to win have redefined expectations in road cycling, cyclocross, and even mountain biking. To draw parallels between a teenager in a development squad and a rider of Van der Poel’s stature is a testament to the raw potential that Del Grosso is exhibiting.
But look closer, and the whispers begin to make sense. Alpecin-Deceuninck is not just any team; it’s a team built around the unique talents of Mathieu van der Poel. Their training methodologies, their race strategies, their bike development – much of it is tailored to amplify Van der Poel’s strengths. For a young rider to thrive within this environment, to catch the eye of the team’s management and coaching staff, they must possess certain characteristics that resonate with the Alpecin ethos.
And that’s where Del Grosso enters the picture. The anecdotes filtering out of the team suggest a rider with a similar blend of power and finesse, a willingness to attack, and a certain fearlessness that is a hallmark of Van der Poel’s racing style. The quote itself, “If you don’t know it’s Del Grosso, you’d think it’s Van der Poel,” speaks volumes. It implies a visual similarity in their movement on the bike, their body language during intense efforts, perhaps even their tactical instincts in crucial moments.
Del Grosso’s early results, while not yet at the level of Van der Poel’s meteoric rise, are certainly promising. He’s shown flashes of brilliance in challenging races, demonstrating the ability to handle tough terrain and compete with riders older and more experienced than himself. These performances are not just about raw power; they are about bike handling skills, tactical awareness, and the ability to push through pain – qualities essential for success in the brutal world of the classics.
The Alpecin-Deceuninck development program is a crucial piece of this puzzle. It’s not a passive holding pen for young riders; it’s a carefully constructed environment designed to nurture talent and prepare them for the rigors of the WorldTour. Under the guidance of experienced coaches and alongside promising peers, Del Grosso is being molded and refined. He’s learning the team’s philosophy, absorbing their training methods, and gaining invaluable race experience in a supportive yet challenging setting.
One of the key advantages of being in the Alpecin development squad is the proximity to the senior team and, crucially, to Mathieu van der Poel himself. While direct comparisons in performance are unfair and premature, Del Grosso has the opportunity to observe, learn, and even occasionally train with one of the greatest riders of his generation. Imagine the insights gained from witnessing Van der Poel’s approach to training, his mental fortitude, his tactical decisions in real-time. This is an invaluable education that money cannot buy.
Furthermore, being in the Alpecin system means Del Grosso is already being exposed to the types of races that define the classics calendar. He’s likely riding on similar equipment, encountering similar conditions, and learning the nuances of the cobbled roads and punchy climbs that are Van der Poel’s hunting ground. This early exposure is crucial for developing the specific skills and resilience required for success in these demanding events.
However, the comparison to Van der Poel also comes with a certain weight of expectation. While flattering, it can also create undue pressure on a young rider still finding his feet. Del Grosso is not, and should not be expected to be, a carbon copy of Van der Poel. He is his own rider, with his own strengths and weaknesses. The key for Alpecin and for Del Grosso himself is to focus on his individual development, allowing him to flourish at his own pace without being solely defined by the shadow of a legend.
The team’s careful handling of Del Grosso is a positive sign. They are not rushing him into the WorldTour spotlight, preferring to allow him to mature and gain experience in the development ranks. This patient approach is crucial for preventing burnout and ensuring a sustainable career. They are clearly investing in his long-term potential, recognizing that building a classics superstar is a process that requires time and dedication.
The question of whether Del Grosso can truly become the “next classics superstar” is, of course, one that only time will answer. The path to the top of professional cycling is fraught with challenges, from injuries and illness to the relentless competition and the sheer unpredictability of the sport. Many promising young riders have fallen by the wayside.
But the early signs are undeniably exciting. The fact that seasoned professionals within Alpecin-Deceuninck are drawing parallels to Mathieu van der Poel is a powerful endorsement of Del Grosso’s potential. It suggests a rare blend of talent, power, and a certain intangible quality – the “winning mentality” – that separates the good riders from the truly great ones.
The Alpecin-Deceuninck team, with its focus on classics racing and its proven track record of developing riders, provides the ideal environment for Del Grosso to thrive. They have the expertise, the resources, and the understanding of what it takes to succeed on the cobbled roads and in the one-day races that define the spring classics season.
As Del Grosso continues his journey through the development ranks, the cycling world will be watching with increasing interest. Will he live up to the lofty comparisons? Will he follow in the tire tracks of Van der Poel and etch his name into the history of the classics? The road ahead is long and challenging, but with the talent he possesses and the support system he has in place, the possibility of Alpecin-Deceuninck growing the next classics superstar is a tantalizing prospect. The whispers have begun, and they are growing louder with each promising performance. The name Davide Del Grosso is one that cycling fans should remember. The potential is there, and the stage is being set for a potentially remarkable career.
