After being crowned world champion in cyclocross in France last week, Mathieu Van der Poel has come to Italy, which now seems to be his place of the heart.

Landing in Bergamo, at Orio al Serio airport, he was welcomed by an Elitellina helicopter for a private flight that quickly transported him to Alta Valtellina. During the flight, the Dutch rider specifically asked the pilot to see some iconic cycling locations and so they flew over Mortirolo and Aprica. MVDP observed with great interest the mountain made famous by Marco Pantani, now covered in snow, and then continued his journey satisfied.

The champion was for once without a bike. Just a short vacation with a small group of friends: essentially, two couples. Upon arrival, the Dutch rider immediately put on his skis and treated himself to some climbs with skins on his feet, as well as some special trials on ice, this time in a car. He certainly didn't get bored and, above all, found a way to unwind his mind before returning to pedaling in view of the classics that crowned him a great performer in 2024 and that will be his major goal in 2025.