Many see Mathieu van der Poel as the favorite for the Worlds in Tabor. However, he plays down expectations. "I feel really good and really been focused on this race, but I'm certainly not the only one who can win."

Van der Poel made himself the favorite with his good performance last week in Hoogerheide. "Due to that win, I have a lot of confidence.  It's nice to be able to get such an achievement before the Worlds.

"I also trained well this week and I feel one hundred percent ready to fight for the worlds title. It would be nice if I succeed on Sonday," said van der Poel, who last year was beaten by Wout van Aert in the U23 race.

"Things went wrong due to the stress and pressure. I was not totally in top shape. That's definitely not the case now. I have really been working for this race. Mentally I am much stronger. I'mtotally ready."

Does van der Poel plan another one-man show like in Hoogerheide? "I never plan the tactics beforehand. I'm a rider who wait for the right moment. I have not really thought about the race.

"I expect the traditional names to come forward but Frenchman Francis Mourey will also be good. He is always good at the championships. Yet my top favorite Kevin Pauwels. He held something back in Hoogerheide and the course suits him perfectly. I am good, but I'm certainly not the only one who can win."

Father Adri van der Poel called van Aert a "faint little guy." Mathieu also thinks van Aert should not be forgotten. "If you look at the entire season, it is logical that we are the favorites. I am sure that Wout will be there. He's always good at the championships."

According to van der Poel, there will be no fight between the trade teams. "Everyone wants that jersey, team interests play no role at Worlds. If your legs are good, your don't sacrifice yourself for another ride. For me it's a race like any other. If I manage to win, I will be just as happy here as I would be in Loenhout."