The Alpecin-Premier Tech professional set off as the 74th rider in the individual time trial on the fourth stage of the Tour de Suisse 2026 and set a course record on the flat course, which stood for almost an hour. Time trial specialists tried to beat his time, but failed one after the other.
The heat was taking its toll on the riders. The temperature climbed above 30 degrees, and the humidity was also high. After his surprisingly strong time trial, Van der Poel made himself comfortable in the Hot Seat and took off his jersey. For an hour, he watched as his rivals failed to beat his time.
Mathieu van der Poel misses out on victory by a hair’s breadth
It was only the 126th and final rider to start, overall leader Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, who beat the Dutchman’s best time. The Slovenian was 0.04 seconds faster. Van der Poel slumped in his chair, grimaced and, in frustration, threw his water bottle to one side. The Tour de Suisse commissaires later imposed a fine of 500 Swiss francs on the 31-year-old. The reason: inappropriate clothing in the Hot Seat.
Why not make an exception for Mathieu van der Poel?
At the same time, the UCI’s decision raises questions. With temperatures exceeding 30 degrees and high humidity, waiting in the hot seat places an additional physical strain on the riders anyway, especially as they are unable to coast to a stop there or fully recover in the team bus. That Mathieu van der Poel took off his jersey in this situation therefore seems entirely understandable and is more a pragmatic response to the conditions than unsportsmanlike behaviour. On the other hand, the commissaires’ consistent interpretation of the rules is also justifiable. The federation must ensure consistent standards and can hardly afford to make exceptions for high-profile riders without jeopardising its own credibility. As a result, the focus is likely to shift to the merits of the rule itself.
Preparing for the Tour de France
Mathieu van der Poel competed in his first road race in Switzerland since April. The Tour de Suisse is serving as preparation for the Tour de France, which begins in two weeks’ time with a team time trial in Barcelona. A stage win was his stated goal for the Swiss tour.
The first two days of racing proved difficult for the Dutchman. After some gruelling training and in the warm temperatures, he struggled to find his form. On the fourth stage, he wanted to go full throttle and test his legs one last time before the Tour de France. His plan almost paid off. Realistically, the time trial was his last chance of a stage win in this Tour de Suisse.
Leon Weidner
Working student
