Mathieu van der Poel explains why he refuses to follow the narrow handlebar trend

The Big Ring Report take

Mathieu van der Poel, a dominant force in the Classics, continues to eschew the prevailing trend for ultra-narrow handlebars, maintaining his preference for a 450mm width. This decision, contrasting with many rivals opting for aerodynamically advantageous 360-380mm bars, highlights a rider prioritizing control and comfort over marginal aero gains. For a rider whose power and bike handling are legendary, it suggests that some advantages simply aren't worth sacrificing others. Perhaps sometimes, wider is indeed better.