Van der Poel has been cycling, running and even swimming vigorously in recent weeks with training mates such as Freddy Ovett, David Dekker and Greg Van Avermaet. The latter will do a World Triathlon 70.3 next weekend and the Dutchman wanted a taste of that in preparation.
Still, the bicycle obviously remains mode of transportation one on the Costa Blanca, where the thermometer is hovering between 20 and 25 degrees these days. Short-short and all the time for a solid wheelie, then! When we will see Van der Poel in cross country again remains to be seen, though we will normally know at the end of this month. The World Championships in Hulst, in early February, will be his main goal.
Video: Mathieu van der Poel shows Costa Blanca vibe
Van der Poel trains with a triathlon icon
After the stunt work, the fun wasn’t over. Van der Poel headed out with training mate Ovett — they often ride together — but this time they had Jan Frodeno for company. He may be less known to pure cycling fans, but the German is the 2008 Olympic triathlon champion and a former world record holder: a true great.