Mathieu van der Poel could be out of racing action for "months" according to his father, former top pro rider Adrie van der Poel.
Speaking to reporters at the cyclocross in Gullegem, Belgium, on Tuesday, Van der Poel Snr said his son should take a break from racing until his back injury was resolved.
His remarks followed just days after Van der Poel's physio said the world cyclocross champion should rest for as long as it takes to ensure his back injury is resolved.
"It is wise not to cycle until all back problems have been solved. I think Mathieu will be out for a longer period of time," said Van der Poel Snr.
"Mathieu does his exercises for his back and takes enough rest. There is no question that he will start tomorrow in the cyclo-cross in Herentals."
Advertisement
Related News
Van der Poel said said he believed his son would be out of racing action for the longer-term. "It is very wise to only really start cycling once all back problems have disappeared," he said.
Asked of that break could be for months, he said: "I think so. It is still about three months until April. So the spring rates are not in danger.
"I don't think it's possible to train in the next few weeks. That is of course my personal opinion. Ultimately, the team will deal with it wisely, just like in the past. We will wait and see."
While Van der Poel has been back in cyclocross action, and was 2nd at the Dendermonde World Cup race on St Stephen’s Day, he took a heavy tumble there.
He started Heusden-Zolder the next day but abandoned after six laps due to back pain. Furthermore, his cyclocross return had followed recovery from another injury, to his knee.
His team said that after his latest outing Van der Poel was diagnosed with “swelling on an intervertebral disc”.
