Now, Van der Poel is already thinking about retiring from cyclocross

Every year around this time, it’s a recurring topic, but this time it does seem real: Mathieu van der Poel is nearing the end of his cyclocross career. Let’s not forget that the Dutchman, who has practically won everything achievable for a cyclist of his characteristics, is on track to achieve the record for the most Cyclocross World Championships won, and on January 19, he will turn 31 years old.

This season could be the last time we see Mathieu van der Poel compete in cyclocross

He hinted at this on Saturday after the Antwerp race in statements to the Dutch media AD, and after being asked again yesterday by the Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, he confirmed that if he manages to secure his eighth World Championship in Hulst, “I wouldn’t have much left to achieve in cyclocross.”

RECOMENDADO

Lucinda Brand shines at the Koksijde World Cup and confirms her leadership

The BH Coloma Team bids farewell to David Campos

Van der Poel arrives at the dunes cyclocross: times and how to watch for free the CX World Cup Koksijde

Tadej Pogacar crushes his own KOM at Coll de Rates

No one can beat Mathieu van der Poel: the Dutchman asserts his dominance in Antwerp in the first duel of the year with Van Aert

Lucinda Brand stars in a thrilling final lap and wins the 2025 CX World Cup in Antwerp

Van der Poel has always said that he would like to leave cyclocross at the top, so it’s possible that the next World Championship will also be the farewell race for the Dutch cyclist in the discipline that saw him grow into a legend. “I still love cyclocross, but it requires a lot of energy,” confessed the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider.

In any case, this is not the first time Van der Poel has made such statements, although given that he has already passed thirty, we must accept that the end is closer than far away. The fact that the World Championship will take place in Hulst, Netherlands, and that he has the record of rainbow jerseys within reach seems to be the perfect situation for a grand exit. “We have talked about it internally several times. It’s something I am thinking about. I’m not getting any younger,” explained Van der Poel, who also left the door open for his continuation: “What if for some reason it doesn’t work? Yes, then I will definitely continue competing to achieve the record.”

The doubts about continuing in cyclocross are again motivated by the importance of road cycling and the pressure from the team to ensure he is in top condition on the thin wheels. Leaving cyclocross would have advantages for the spring: “I would mainly do it thinking about the road season, yes. To be able to rest a little more during the winter. For example, to be able to stay in Spain all winter and train there,” explained Van der Poel.