Does it matter what happens in the World Championships? Van der Poel is already the best in history in CX

We are not the ones saying it; these are the statements of a cyclocross legend like Sven Nys after the races held this past weekend, where Mathieu van der Poel not only matched his record of 50 World Cup victories but also surpassed a mark that had stood for exactly 10 years on Sunday.

Sven Nys surrenders and enjoys the spectacle called Mathieu van der Poel

"It is an honor to have been able to win 50 races. That record stood for 10 years, and this weekend it will be broken by a great man. He is the best cyclocross rider that has ever competed." This is how emphatic the great Sven Nys was in the lead-up to the two races that recently concluded the Cyclocross World Cup.

Nys accepted the end of his record with naturalness, saying, "I did what I could with my abilities and flaws. Each generation has its champions. We are witnessing a magnificent champion in Van der Poel, even in several disciplines, something I could never do." admitted the cyclocross legend.

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These statements were repeated the following day when Van der Poel's reign was definitively confirmed. Sven Nys joked, "Maybe I should get my license again" while objectively analyzing what he had seen, saying, "I enjoy watching Van der Poel. I think he is the best version of himself. He is a total athlete."

Now, Mathieu van der Poel faces another record with history, that of the number of World Championships won, which, barring a catastrophe, seems to be in his pocket thanks to the enormous superiority he has shown throughout this season. Nys also commented on the rumored retirement from cyclocross hinted at by Van der Poel himself, saying, "In two years, the World Championship will be held here (in Hulst) again. I take it for granted that he will be here."