Two days ago Mathieu Van Der Poel proved that he is an amazing talent when the reigning junior world champion beat several WorldTour stars to win the Ronde van Limburg. The young Dutchman admitted to being surprised by the outcome, especially after having been on the attack early in the race.

Less than a year ago, it became apparent that Mathiey Van De Poel is more than just an outstanding cyclo-cross racer when he won the junior world championships in impressive fashion. Today he proved that there is a lot to come from this talented youngster when he won the hilly Ronde van Limburg in a bunch sprint.

Having been on the attack in the very fast first part of the race, Van Der Poel stayed attentive in the bunch all day while the big home team Belkin controlled the race that included no less than 14 small climbs and six pave sectors. On a number of occasion, the fast pace caused the bunch to split into a few groups but every time Van Der Poel raced with great maturity and made the first group.

Every time it came back together and so everything was set for a bunch sprint when Belkin gobbled up the 3 early attackers just a few kilometres from the line. Riding for the small continental BKCP-Powerplus team, Van Der Poel could be forgiven for feeling a bit intimidated by going up against the WorldTour Belkin and Lotto Belisol trains but apparently he was unfazed by the high level of competition.

When the sprint was launched, Van Der Poel proved that he is extremely fast at the end of a hard, selective race when he held off Paul Martens and Greg Henderson, both prolific winners on the WorldTour. The win is the biggest of his short career and comes just a few weeks after he made a very impressive showing in the Tour of Belgium.

"This is a great victory," he told Directvelo. "I did not expect to win here. But there was an uphill finish, which suits me. I was well positioned two kilometers from the finish. Between the 1km and 2km to go banners, I received support from Philipp Walsleben. Then I had to choose the right wheel. I was third in the last corner and then I managed to pass them all.

"During the first 90 miles, I was part of various attacks. That is why this victory is even more unexpected. Today is the birthday of my brother David. I no longer need to buy a gift."