Success also poses financial challenges for Alpecin Desoninck: “The budget must definitely be increased”

Since last weekend, the Alpecin-Deceuninck team has become the first team to win the first three milestones in the same spring. “It's nice to write a small part of cycling history,” team boss Philipp Rudhoft laughed in Roubaix.

Not only leaders thrive, but servants also rise above themselves. “There is also a difference in awareness, a different position in the peloton. The leaders, but also the guys who have to support them, are at their highest level. Everything has come together this spring and Roubaix was the icing on the cake.”

This cake can be enjoyed for years to come. Mathieu van der Poel tied up the remainder of his professional career with Canyon, the bike supplier for the powerhouse team, a few weeks ago.

The golden boy is certain to stay with the Belgian team until the end of 2028, and the contract with Canyon runs until 2033. “The past certainly played a role, but we also made a competitive offer financially. It only makes sense.” “Rodhooft says of that monster deal.

“Matteo doesn't need to change right away. He feels like he's in the right place.”

“We have had many highlights in recent years, but there have also been moments where it has been a little less so. Not so long ago, with not a very good tour in two years.”

“Even in the few difficult moments, we know what we have in each other. That also played a role: on the good days, but also on the less good days. The choice was not very difficult, I think.”

Of course, cooking costs money, and Mathieu van der Poel is a very expensive ingredient. His team is also reaching star level.

Philipp Rudhoft: “Structurally, we are getting better every year. In principle, it becomes more expensive every year. This is a logical consequence in cycling.”

“In football you can sell success, but that is not possible with us. Although keeping the team together has proven to be an added value and we will try to continue to do that.”

But then pastors must follow this line of thinking. “In the long term, the budget will definitely have to increase, yes.”

“It's clear to everyone that Canyon helped renovate Mateo. There are other things going on.”

“We have agreements with our partners that we are happy with and they are very happy with what we are doing. We are confident that we will achieve a good result for our future.”