Van der Poel does not rule out racing in Benidorm next January 14

Mathieu van der Poel shared several insights after his decisive victory in the Zonhoven Cyclocross World Cup, a race in which he won solo and that has also positioned him as the new leader of the overall classification. Among them, one particularly relevant for the Spanish audience is his presence in Benidorm.

Leading the World Cup could change Van der Poel's plans regarding Benidorm

In statements made after the race, Van der Poel acknowledged that "the odds are still small" that he will compete in Benidorm. The Dutchman explained that his current planning is clearly focused on the World Championship in Hulst, and that the training block he will begin in Spain immediately responds to that priority.

However, Van der Poel himself admitted that he had not set the overall World Cup title as a goal before the season started. "If that had been the goal, I would have had to race in Dendermonde as well," he pointed out, downplaying his current leadership and describing it as almost circumstantial.

Even so, the scenario has changed. With his victory in Zonhoven and the leader's jersey already in his possession, the real possibility of winning the overall title could become an added incentive. Especially considering that there are still three World Cup events in 2025 before the World Championship, and that the margin for maneuver remains open.

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The schedule confirmed by Van der Poel prior to the World Championship in Hulst (January 31) includes two key events in the Cyclocross World Cup: Maasmechelen (January 24) and Hoogerheide (January 25). Thus, Benidorm remains the only unknown in the World Champion's calendar.

For now, the discourse is cautious and consistent with his planning towards the World Championship. But the fact of leading the World Cup, combined with the real option of clinching the overall title, could ultimately push Van der Poel to reconsider his absence in Benidorm.