Mathieu van der Poel's 'painful comeback' falls short as he makes UCI Cross-country Short Track World Cup return

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An improbable comeback from Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) fell short as the superstar Dutch rider participated in his first UCI Cross-country Short Track World Cup race since 2021 on Friday.

'Painful comeback' - Van der Poel reacts after struggling on return

Video credit: TNT Sports

Competing in the men's elite race in Les Gets, France, Van der Poel faced an uphill task to get anything as he lined up 41st on the starting grid.

But the most successful rider in XCC history, with 10 career victories to his name, showed why he has had such success on the bike over his glittering career, moving up to 24th by the end of the first lap.

By the halfway point, Van der Poel was in the lead group but narrowly avoided disaster on the sixth lap when he produced an agile save to avoid falling off his bike.

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In the end, the 31-year-old finished in midfield, producing an impressive display ahead of Sunday’s UCI Cross-country Olympic (XCO) World Cup.

Afterwards, Van der Poel said he was "really suffering for the whole race".

"That was really painful. I expected it to be painful, but it hurt more than I wanted to," he told TNT Sports. He added that it was a "painful comeback".

The race was eventually won by Adrien Boichis (Specialized Factory Racing) to claim his third UCI XCC World Cup victory of the season, which increased his overall series lead to 170 points.

Afterwards, the Frenchman spoke of his delight at winning in front of his home fans, and the effect Van der Poel had on the race as a whole.

"It's nice to see so many French fans. It definitely gives you extra energy," the 23-year-old said.

Highlights: Boichis pips Martin to XCC World Cup win in Haute Savoie

Video credit: TNT Sports

"It was really hard. We haven't raced short track for a long time and it's impossible to replicate that intensity in training.

"From the front you don't always know what's happening behind, but to move through the field the way Mathieu [van der Poel] did from the back shows just how strong he is. We all know what he can do.

"I hope he'll be at the front on Sunday and that I'll get the chance to race against him again. Let’s see."

In the women's elite race, Sina Frei (Specialized Factory Racing) produced a late surge to claim her third UCI XCC World Cup victory of the season and the fifth of her career.

Her victory, in which she beat out Martina Berta (Origine Racing Division) down the stretch, extends her lead over Jenny Rissveds (Canyon XC Racing) in the overall standings to 80 points with just two rounds remaining.

"I think the special bike and the jersey were shining today. I felt really good and it was so much fun to race here in Les Gets," Frei said afterwards.

"The atmosphere was incredible and I really enjoyed every moment of it.

Highlights: Frei romps to third XCC World Cup win of season in Haute Savoie

Video credit: TNT Sports

"The plan was to stay near the front without necessarily leading all the time. In the end, it probably looked a little different, but I felt strong and when I saw an opportunity, I decided to go for it. Thankfully it worked out.

"I just tried to pedal as hard as I could. The bike felt amazing today.

"The Specialized S-Works Epic 9 was incredibly stiff through the grassy sections and that made a huge difference when it came to putting the power down and accelerating."

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