Pogacar, the factor that could shape Van der Poel's future in cyclocross

After the victory of Mathieu van der Poel at the Cyclocross World Championship and achieving the desired record of victories, the cycling world is wondering if we have seen the last race of the Dutchman in the muddy discipline. After the race, Van der Poel left some hints that the road would become his priority, not out of desire but out of necessity.

To do cyclocross or to be in a position to beat Pogacar, the dilemma of Mathieu van der Poel

Just after finishing the World Championship race in Hulst and closing a new perfect season, all the questions directed at Mathieu van der Poel were going in the same direction: what now? There has been so much speculation that we could be witnessing Van der Poel's last race in cyclocross that everyone wanted to know what his plans are for upcoming campaigns.

Van der Poel explained after the race that, contrary to what one might presume given his superiority, the cyclocross season represents the first peak of form each year, with months of training and thorough preparation. “I have to be in my best shape. I can't compete here at 90%. That's not enough. Many people underestimate the effort that this first peak of form requires.”

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And indeed, as has also happened in other disciplines, cyclocross is becoming increasingly demanding due to the rise in the average level. “I am training harder and dedicating more hours,” explained the Alpecin-Premier Tech cyclist.

A first peak of form that, so close to the road season and the spring classics, which, let’s remember, start just within a month, poses a physical and mental demand that ultimately takes its toll. A spring in which Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix are once again in the sights of Mathieu van der Poel, with the difference that, unlike what happened in cyclocross, in those races he will have to face a Tadej Pogacar against whom there is no room for half measures.

In fact, Van der Poel admitted after the Hulst race that it wouldn't be bad to skip a winter in search of records also in races like Roubaix or Flanders. He currently has 3 victories in Flanders, tying with the other six cyclists who have achieved this milestone. Meanwhile, in Paris-Roubaix, where he also has three victories, he is one below the record held by Tom Boonen and Roger de Vlaeminck.

However, the fact that Tadej Pogacar has also set his sights on these monuments makes things very difficult for a Mathieu van der Poel who, let’s not forget, is already 31 years old. Being able to rest adequately in winter and prepare thoroughly for these races seems more relevant than ever if he wants to have any chance of beating a Tadej Pogacar who seems to have no ceiling.