“He wasn't too keen on that before”: Van der Poel could target a ninth cyclocross world title with an unprecedented build-up

The immediate future of Mathieu van der Poel in cyclocross remains an uncertainty. The Dutchman has not yet confirmed whether he will compete this winter, but now a possibility has emerged that until recently seemed hard to imagine: competing only in the Cyclocross World Championship, without having participated in any previous races. The selectors from the Netherlands and Belgium have analyzed possible scenarios for the eight-time world champion, who continues training in Spain while deciding what to do.

From not competing to only participating in the Cyclocross World Championship

The uncertainty about Van der Poel's winter schedule is not new. As we reported a few weeks ago, the Dutchman is seriously considering taking a complete break from cyclocross, a decision particularly influenced by the expected birth of his first daughter in January 2027.

However, new information published by WielerFlits opens the door to other possibilities. The Dutch media has spoken with Gerben de Knegt, the Dutch selector, and Angelo De Clercq, the Belgian selector, to understand how Van der Poel could face an extraordinarily short cyclocross season.

De Knegt acknowledges that it is difficult to anticipate the world champion's decision:

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"I think running only the World Championship would also be an option. But I know that in the past he didn't like that too much because he preferred to race more. Now that will be difficult."

The Dutch selector also considers a return to competition in December, followed by a break in January to be present during the birth of his daughter. In any case, he insists that it will be Van der Poel himself who has to decide if he really wants to return to cyclocross.

For his part, Angelo De Clercq claims to have received information suggesting a complete absence of the Dutchman during the winter.

"In Mathieu's case, for me, it's a big unknown. There are all kinds of interviews. Some say he won't come, and others say he will. I've also received signals that maybe he won't compete."

A couple of races might be enough for him to try to achieve his ninth World Championship

Among the scenarios being considered is also a middle-ground solution where Mathieu competes in just two or three races before the World Championship, with the aim of regaining competition feelings and securing a good position on the starting grid.

De Clercq believes that Van der Poel has the ability to make the decision practically at the last moment, once he has completed his endurance training in Spain.

The main drawback of such a reduced schedule would be precisely his starting position in the World Championship. Without enough prior races, the Dutchman could be forced to start from a back row.

However, the Belgian selector believes that Van der Poel is one of the few cyclists capable of overcoming that problem.

"Mathieu has the ability to start from a more back row and be in front after a lap and a half. I think he is the only one who can do it."

Among the events mentioned as possible appearances before the World Championship are Zonhoven, Hamme, and Hoogerheide, all scheduled for the second half of January. This is not a confirmed schedule, but possibilities proposed by the selector.

With eight world titles, Van der Poel is already the most decorated cyclocross rider in history. A new victory would allow him to elevate his record to nine rainbow jerseys.

While other cyclists finish their vacations, Van der Poel is already accumulating kilometers in Spain

The striking aspect of this situation is that Van der Poel's doubts only affect his participation in cyclocross, not his activity on the bike.

While other big names in the peloton have extended their vacations until just a few days ago, the Dutchman has already been seen for weeks accumulating kilometers in Spain, both on his road bike and his gravel bike.

The contrast is evident with Tom Pidcock, who has just returned to training after his vacation in Thailand and shared a video in which he admits, visibly fatigued, how difficult it is for him to regain his feelings on the bike.

In Van der Poel's case, his training in the Costa Blanca has included outings with Greg Van Avermaet, Freddy Ovett, and Gianni Vermeersch. He has also been seen practicing running, so even though he still doesn't know if he will return to compete in the mud, it is clear that his training has begun.