Mathieu van der Poel is currently training in Girona, where he has been spotted performing bike stunts and sporting a new haircut. The Dutch cyclist, who recently concluded his spring classics campaign after Paris-Roubaix, is using the downtime to prepare for an upcoming gravel event.
Next week, Girona will host the prestigious Traka gravel race, a competition van der Poel has previously expressed interest in riding. His presence in the area has sparked speculation about a potential debut at the event, with local reports suggesting he may be hinting at his participation through social media activity and public appearances.
While van der Poel did not compete in recent Ardennes classics such as Liège-Bastogne-Liège, he has remained active, switching to his gravel bike during the traditional racing lull. This shift aligns with his broader interest in off-road disciplines, which he has explored intermittently throughout his career.
The Traka 2026 race draws significant attention from the cycling world due to its challenging terrain and elite field. A potential appearance by van der Poel, a former world champion and multiple Classics winner, would elevate the event’s profile and attract wider interest from fans of both road and gravel cycling.
As of now, no official confirmation has been made regarding his entry, but his sustained presence in Girona — combined with visible training efforts and a renewed focus on gravel-specific preparation — indicates he is seriously considering a start.
Fans and observers continue to monitor his social channels for further clues, anticipating a possible announcement in the days leading up to the race.
