Mathieu van der Poel dominates the Gavere Cyclocross World Cup race

Mathieu van der Poel continues his spectacular unbeaten streak. A new Cyclocross World Cup event took place on the Gavere circuit, in the heart of Flanders, where the Dutchman dominated the race at will, deciding how and when he wanted, despite Thibau Nys's attempts to challenge him.

Unstoppable Mathieu van der Poel in Gavere

Mathieu van der Poel took it easy in the Gavere race, opting for a more relaxed approach. So much so that, despite starting from the front row and being among the top positions in the Cyclocross World Cup standings, he was around 20th place in the early laps, while Thibau Nys was trying to dictate the pace from the start.

Of course, it didn't take long for the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider to climb back to the front positions with a perfect race strategy, as Nys's push created an initial selection with riders like Vanthourenhout, del Groso, and Verstrynge, in addition to the aforementioned Nys and Van der Poel.

RECOMENDADO

"I will keep riding until the end": David Valero will return to the World Cup in 2026

Riding a bike makes you happier than earning more money

Cycling tips for the Christmas season

We have found the lowest price for the new Oakley Meta Vanguard, and they could be the best glasses on the market

What is the normobaric chamber that some cyclists are using to recover better? Is it doping?

Nukeproof arrives at the XCO World Cup and is developing a 32-inch bike

In the following laps, Thibau Nys made several small attempts to break the group, but he always found Mathieu van der Poel glued to his wheel, with his mouth shut and total control of the situation. In fact, when Nys invited him to take the lead, the result was a halt that allowed the others mentioned earlier to return to the front.

It was on the sixth of the nine laps they had to complete in Gavere when Thibau Nys launched what should have been the decisive attack. Again, Van der Poel was on his wheel, but this time, after crossing the finish line, he moved to the front and began to gradually increase the pace. The torture began for Thibau Nys, who started to struggle on each incline until the usual happened: the Belgian made a mistake, hit a hole, slipped his foot out of the automatic pedal, and Van der Poel opened a definitive gap. Game Over.

Thibau Nys loses his cleat just as Mathieu Van der Poel launches his attack!!

The rainbow jersey heads straight for victory in the #ciclocross of #Gavere.

@josuelena and @jerryarrows

Live now #CXWorldCup on Teledeporte and @rtveplay https://t.co/Pkq1a3TJht pic.twitter.com/YdFbwSH12Q

— Teledeporte (@teledeporte) December 26, 2025

The last 2 laps went smoothly for Van der Poel, while Nys, again with oxygen in his brain, proved to be the strongest of the mortals and was able to maintain his lead over his pursuers with the overall World Cup in mind.

The only thing left to determine was the third step of the podium, with Tibor del Groso, Toon Aerts, Emiel Verstrynge, and Michael Vanthourenhout engaged in a tight battle until the end, which would ultimately be decided in a sprint in favor of Tibor del Groso.

Cyclocross World Cup Standings – Gavere

1. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) 1h03’15’’
2. Thibau Nys (Baloise Glowi Lions) +21’’
3. Tibor del Groso (Alpecin-Deceuninck) +23’’
4. Toon Aerts (Deschacht-Hens) +23’’
5. Emiel Verstrynge (Corendon-Crelan) +23’’
6. Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Altez Industriebouw) +32’’
7. Joran Wyseure (Crelan-Corendon) +54’’
8. Mees Hendrikx (Heizomat-Cube) +1’10’’
9. Lars van der Haar (Baloise Glowi Lions) +1’21’’
10. Cameron Mason (Seven Racing) +1’26’’