Van der Poel explains why he doesn't want narrow handlebars

In a peloton increasingly obsessed with aerodynamics, where many cyclists have minimized the width of their handlebars and turn the levers inward to gain speed, Mathieu van der Poel continues to bet on a very different configuration. The leader of Alpecin–Premier Tech maintains a handlebar that is clearly wider than most of his rivals and does not seem to have any intention of changing it.

Mathieu van der Poel explains why he continues to use wide handlebars despite the aerodynamic trend in the peloton

During the Tirreno-Adriatico, Van der Poel explained to Cyclingnews why he does not intend to join this increasingly widespread trend in the professional peloton. The eight-time cyclocross world champion asserts that he simply continues to use the same handlebar he has always used: "I just use the handlebar I've used my whole life", the Dutchman explained.

According to the rider himself, the perception that his handlebar is excessively wide is largely due to the fact that many cyclists have significantly reduced this measurement in recent years. The UCI, in fact, has set a minimum of 400 mm of external width for handlebars and also limits the distance between levers and their inward angle, rules that aim to curb some extreme configurations that were being seen in the peloton and the reason why a cyclist from Italy was recently disqualified after winning a race.

In Van der Poel's case, his Canyon Aeroad features the modular integrated handlebar CP0049 Pro Pace, which allows for different width adjustments. According to Cyclingnews, a mechanic from the Alpecin team confirmed during the Tirreno-Adriatico that the Dutch champion's handlebar measures 450 mm from end to end, accompanied by a practically straight lever position, with hardly any inward tilt.

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This choice contrasts with that of many of his rivals and even some teammates. Sprinter Jasper Philipsen, for example, uses a noticeably narrower handlebar, with a width close to 410 mm.

Van der Poel acknowledges that opting for a wider handlebar may imply losing some aerodynamic efficiency, which in theory would require him to produce some extra watts compared to cyclists with more closed positions. However, for him, the benefit lies in the feeling of power and control when pedaling standing up.

The Dutchman believes that the more open position allows him to better apply force in explosive efforts, which is key to his competitive style. For now, and despite the peloton continuing to move towards increasingly aerodynamic configurations, Van der Poel is clear that he does not intend to change a setup with which he has been winning races for years.