New recital by Van der Poel on the snow and mud of Zonhoven

The Cyclocross World Cup has experienced one of those editions in Zonhoven that is destined to remain in memory. Snow, cold, loose sand, and the always decisive Kuil pit elevated the level in a race marked by the absolute dominance of Mathieu van der Poel, who imposed his law from start to finish.

Van der Poel dominates from start to finish in the Zonhoven World Cup

The Dutchman set a race without concessions from the very start. First curves at the limit and a constant pace that gradually broke down the group lap after lap. Van der Poel never lost control of the situation, not even after two punctures, and crossed the finish line after 59:36 of effort, adding another victory at Kuil and closing with authority the first part of his cyclocross winter.

Behind, the race was soon defined after the natural selection imposed by the circuit. Tibor Del Grosso was the most solid of the chasing group and secured a meritorious second position, 45 seconds behind the winner. The young Dutchman once again demonstrated his enormous talent, even allowing himself some technical gestures for the enjoyment of the public on such a delicate yet spectacular course.

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The third step of the podium went to Emiel Verstrynge, who managed his effort in a race of pure endurance, remaining firm on a day where making mistakes was very costly.

If there was a name marked by misfortune in Zonhoven, it was Thibau Nys. The Belgian, who started as one of the main contenders and arrived as the overall leader, suffered a very serious fall, even going off the circuit over the barriers; the impact caused the handlebar to break and forced him to go to the pits.

Nys was able to continue in the race, but already very far behind, with no sporting options and losing a valuable opportunity in the fight for the World Cup. A hard blow on a day that had begun with great expectations for him.

Special mention deserves the performance of the Spaniard Felipe Orts, who achieved an eighth position of great merit in one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar. The Alicante native completed the eight laps solidly and, despite some isolated falls, always stayed away from serious mistakes, demonstrating a great ability to adapt to the extreme conditions of the course.

This Top 10 in Zonhoven reinforces Orts' consistency in the World Cup and confirms his status as one of the most reliable riders in the international peloton in maximum difficulty scenarios.

Top 10 – Zonhoven World Cup

1. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) – 59:36
2. Tibor Del Grosso (Alpecin-Premier Tech) – +45
3. Emiel Verstrynge (Crelan-Corendon) – +1:03
4. Niels Vandeputte (Alpecin-Premier Tech) – +1:18
5. Toon Aerts (Charles Liégeois-Deschacht) – +1:18
6. Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Altez) – +1:40
7. Joris Nieuwenhuis (Ridley Racing Team) – +1:45
8. Felipe Orts (Ridley Racing Team) – +1:56
9. Pim Ronhaar (Baloise Lions) – +2:04
10. Mees Hendrikx (Heizomat-Cube) – +2:15

UCI CX World Cup Overall Standings 2025-2026

1. Mathieu van der Poel – 200 points
2. Thibau Nys – 190 points
3. Michael Vanthourenhout – 187 points
4. Laurens Sweeck – 186 points
5. Niels Vandeputte – 176 points
6. Emiel Verstrynge – 165 points
7. Toon Aerts – 141 points
8. Tibor Del Grosso – 139 points
9. Mees Hendrikx – 131 points
10. Joris Nieuwenhuis – 122 points