Van der Poel's 'MVDP Classic 2026' is a grueling training ride along the Spanish coast, attracting a formidable group of cyclists. The event, first introduced in 2024, is a testament to Van der Poel's dedication to pushing his limits. Last year, the ride included notable cyclists like Freddy Ovett, Jonas Rickaert, Quinten Hermans, and Timo Kielich. This year, the group expanded to seven riders, including Alpecin–Premier Tech teammates Jonas Rickaert, Edward Planckaert, and Jasper Philipsen, as well as Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe riders Mick and Tim van Dijke, and Jordi Meeus. Luke Verburg, a regular training partner, joined them. The ride covered nearly 230 kilometers in almost six hours, resulting in an average speed of 38.2 kilometers per hour, despite the challenging Spanish hills and a significant elevation gain of nearly 3,000 meters. This performance indicates that Van der Poel is physically prepared for the Cyclo-Cross World Cup in Benidorm, although his participation remains uncertain. National coach Gerben de Knegt has included him in the selection, and newly crowned Dutch champions Tibor Del Grosso and Ceylin Alvarado are confirmed starters in Spain.
