Van der Poel aims to secure the overall title of the World Cup in Maasmechelen

After the Benidorm race, 20 points separate Mathieu van der Poel and Thibau Nys in the overall standings of the Cyclocross World Cup. A difference that, while practically definitive given how the season has unfolded, still leaves a slight opening for the Belgian to continue dreaming of winning the championship, although it would require defeating the untouchable Van der Poel in the remaining two races.

Cyclocross World Cup Schedule – Maasmechelen

Saturday, January 24, 2026

• 13:40 – Women's Elite
• 15:10 – Men's Elite

Everyone Against Van der Poel. Favorites for Victory in Maasmechelen

As throughout the season, with Mathieu van der Poel in the race, any prediction that does not involve the Dutchman's victory seems like a fantasy. Such is the superiority of the Alpecin-Premier Tech cyclist that the question is not whether he will win, but how he will do it, whether by breaking away solo from the first lap or patiently waiting for the most opportune moment after the halfway point of the race. Obviously, a mechanical failure or a crash, which no cyclist is exempt from, could turn everything upside down.

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Felipe Orts unleashes madness in Benidorm: victory for Van der Poel and a podium finish for the Spaniard

A victory, if it occurs, would mean for Van der Poel, in addition to virtually sealing the overall standings of the Cyclocross World Cup if it is not already sealed, equaling the number of victories in this championship with none other than the legendary Sven Nys, who achieved 50 wins in the World Cup, with the possibility of surpassing him if he also wins on Sunday in Hoogerheide.

Therefore, the pressure for the son, Thibau Nys, is double. On one hand, to defend the family honor, and on the other, knowing that only victory in both races will suffice, while hoping that Van der Poel finishes below second in one of them as the only option to surpass the Dutchman in the overall standings. As we said, given how the season has unfolded, it is practically impossible.

A step below these two giants, names like Joris Nieuwenhuis, Tibor del Grosso, Niels Vandeputte, and, why not, after making us dream in Benidorm, why not allow us to dream of another great race from Felipe Orts will be lurking, ready to capitalize on any mistakes.

How to Watch the Cyclocross World Cup Race in Maasmechelen

Winter sports continue to overshadow cyclocross in the Eurosport lineup, which once again relegates the World Cup race to only the HBO Max platform.

Meanwhile, RTVE, which has also maintained erratic behavior in its cyclocross broadcasts throughout this season, has not yet confirmed whether it will air the Maasmechelen race.