{"id":544094,"date":"2026-03-16T13:14:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T13:14:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/544094\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T13:14:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T13:14:13","slug":"van-der-poel-explains-wide-handlebar-choice-and-the-signs-of-top-form-ahead-of-milan-san-remo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/544094\/","title":{"rendered":"Van der Poel explains wide-handlebar choice and the signs of top form ahead of Milan-San Remo"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mathieu van der Poel<\/a> looks to be in excellent condition heading into Milan-San Remo<\/a>. The Dutchman has already underlined that with his Tirreno-Adriatico performances, but the original article also zooms in on two smaller talking points around him: his unusually wide handlebar setup and the facial expressions some around him associate with peak form.It\u2019s a trend we\u2019re seeing everywhere in the peloton: handlebar widths are getting narrower and narrower. Brake levers are also being positioned further and further inward, but Van der Poel doesn\u2019t seem to be following that trend. In the Tirreno-Adriatico, it was clear to see that he was riding with a fairly \u201ctraditional\u201d handlebar. \u201cI\u2019ve just used this handlebar my whole life,\u201d he explains matter-of-factly to Cyclingnews<\/a>.That cycling media outlet reports that bike manufacturer Canyon<\/a> normally makes handlebars no wider than 400 millimeters, but according to them, Van der Poel actually rides with a handlebar measuring 420 millimeters from brake lever to brake lever, and even 450 millimeters measured from the outer tips. Van der Poel, however, disputes this. \u201cAs far as I’m concerned, they don’t look any wider. I think they seem wider because others have gone much narrower.\u201d\u201cMaybe I lose some aerodynamic advantage, but I like the power I can generate when I\u2019m standing on the pedals. I\u2019m used to the size, and for now I\u2019ll keep using the wide handlebars.\u201d On Instagram<\/a> , however, it was evident that the former world champion is training again with an aerodynamic setup, which includes a narrower handlebar.<\/p>\n

Continue reading below the photo!<\/p>\n

\"mathieu-van-der-poel\"\/Van der Poel: \u201cIt’s only a matter of time before Pogacar wins Sanremo\u201dWith his wide handlebars, Van der Poel was often seen leading the pack in the Tirreno. With his characteristic intensity, he took the lead in the final stage<\/a>. According to his friends, that\u2019s a sign he\u2019s in top form. \u201cIt happens subconsciously,\u201d he laughs when speaking to Sporza<\/a>. \u201cSome people say that, but I\u2019ve never really paid attention to it myself. I think the victories are what matter most here for my form.\u201d<\/p>\n

And his form is excellent. According to Van der Poel, he is very close to his absolute peak form. \u201cI don\u2019t think I have much left to do. I feel good; I\u2019ve just had a good preparation. I\u2019m satisfied with how my legs feel this week, and with the overall sensation. That\u2019s all I need.\u201d Was the Sanremo winner riding in the Tirreno? \u201cI don\u2019t know. There are plenty of contenders, but whether the winner is here is still a question mark.\u201d<\/p>\n

In 2025, Van der Poel, along with Tadej Pogacar and Filippo Ganna, delivered what was perhaps the greatest edition of Sanremo ever. \u201cI agree. I used to watch that race all the time; back then, you didn\u2019t really have to make your move on the Cipressa. But Tadej and UAE definitely changed that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Because the world champion knows he can\u2019t wait until the Poggio. He\u2019ll likely want to execute the same plan again on Saturday, and Van der Poel knows what to expect from his rival. \u201cI think he was already very close last year. If I\u2019m even one percent off, he\u2019ll be gone on the Cipressa. For me, it\u2019s only a matter of time before he wins there.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n