Tadej Pogačar has claimed the victory, but Mathieu van der Poel remains the ultimate dream—Spain’s Clásica Jaén Paraiso Interior looks set to entice the Dutchman to tackle its gravel-filled course
This Monday, February 16, the peloton will contest the Clásica Jaén Paraiso Interior. The four-year-old race has seen Tadej Pogačar triumph in the past, and this edition is headlined by Tom Pidcock, with aspirations next year to recruit cyclocross World Champion Mathieu van der Poel for the start list.
Since its addition to the calendar, the Spanish one-day race has proven a resounding success, thanks to its numerous gravel sectors that create a distinct early-season challenge. For some riders, it serves as a serious objective; for others, it offers targeted preparation ahead of Strade Bianche, all while sitting in the middle of a cluster of Spanish events happening at the same time.
Alexey Lutsenko won the inaugural edition in 2022, Pogačar followed suit in 2023, bringing the race into the cycling spotlight for a short spell. Oier Lazkano claimed the 2024 edition with a breakout breakaway performance—though that achievement cannot be viewed in the same light today after his UCI suspension—while a year ago former World Champion Michal Kwiatkowski surged to victory in a strong comeback.
The race remains a flashy feature of Spain’s early-season racing, even after Pogačar’s solo display. This year’s start list includes Tom Pidcock, Spanish national champion Iván Romeo, and contenders such as Jan Christen, Giulio Pellizzari, and Pello Bilbao who are among the favorites.
But Pogačar is not expected to be on the scene in the near future. “The big issue is that he intends to race less this year and spend more time at home,” said race director and former Spanish national coach Pascual Momparler in an interview with Marca. While 2023 marked a breakthrough year, expecting the same level of top-tier entrants every year isn’t realistic.
If he were to start his season earlier, a UAE Tour appearance would be a logical step given his role with UAE Emirates and the team’s desire to have him racing. Yet, if they switch equipment next year, the new wheels could make Jaén a good testing ground for him.
Mathieu van der Poel: the ambitious target
The Spaniards stress the importance of clear, extended communication with riders and their agents to secure their presence at the start, especially given the race’s short history and its 1.1 rating. While the 1.1 designation isn’t decisive, it still influences the race’s prestige within the pro scene.
Top riders are increasingly selective with their calendars, spacing out spring and summer races to optimize form. For Pogacar, the spring classics are the priority; for Jonas Vingegaard, the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France. This reality makes attracting riders like van der Poel far more challenging.
Nonetheless, organizers are determined to land van der Poel, whom they regard as the ultimate prize for Jaén. The Dutchman is a former gravel World Champion and current cyclocross World Champion, and his influence in modern cycling cannot be ignored.
Momparler acknowledges that bold moves will be necessary to attract Alpecin–PXT rider van der Poel in 2027. “I haven’t approached van der Poel yet, but I have good contacts and know how to negotiate,” he explains. “Next year, we’ll present an enticing, convincing offer, just as we did with Pidcock this year.”
Would Van der Poel be willing to trade a portion of his schedule for a high-profile gravel challenge in Jaén, or is this dream likely to remain aspirational? Share your thoughts in the comments.
