Cyclo-cross king Van der Poel adds record eighth world title in Hulst — after a flat tyre on the way to the race

He was already very proud in the Sporza studio. “I don't think anyone expects that when you start cyclo-cross. When I started cyclo-cross as a little boy, Sven came to give me cross training. I don't have many childhood memories, but I do remember that. He was the only one who jumped over beams at the time.”

Mathieu, did the race go as you expected?
Van der Poel said he was prepared for different scenarios, but felt his start put him in control quickly. He singled out Tibor Del Grosso for a strong opening phase, before Van der Poel settled into a pace he felt comfortable with — enough to put pressure on the rest and defend the advantage he created.

Because you had already had your share of bad luck in the morning.
He revealed he rode to the race site on his road bike and punctured on the way. He managed to fix it, and said the team car wasn’t far away if needed. He also mentioned that some riders from the Dutch selection had suffered punctures on Saturday en route to the course as well.

Afterwards, you had a briefing with King Willem-Alexander. What was said there?
Van der Poel said the King congratulated him and again praised the event, adding that it was special to race on such a unique venue — and to have that level of support present for the Dutch delegation.

That you win is almost normal. Can you explain what kind of work goes into that?
Van der Poel stressed that arriving “at 90 percent” isn’t enough at Worlds — physically or mentally — and suggested that’s something outsiders sometimes underestimate. He also hinted he may rethink how he combines a winter of cyclo-cross with building towards the road season, noting that his cross campaign started later this year and has required more training than in the past.

Are you still finding it fun to work so hard for it?
He said he’s enjoying the work more than ever, and that while pressure still exists, it’s easing — partly because he feels he’s nearer the end than the beginning of his career and is able to savour the titles more. Even with eight rainbow jerseys, he emphasised that a one-hour Worlds race can still be stressful because so much can happen.

Do you also enjoy these titles more, then?
‘Definitely. I feel that I am closer to the end than the beginning of my career, so you do think about that. I still have goals, but I also realize that not everything will work out. It wasn't a walk in the park, and even after eight titles, some of the stress still slips away. It's only one hour, but a lot can happen.’

Would you actually be able to resist not racing?
‘If I know I won't be racing, I also know that my road season will last longer. So then I'll have some time for fun moments in Spain in the winter, which I can definitely enjoy.’

Thibau Nys said you were the best, but that in his opinion, you weren't among your best five or ten cyclocross races of the winter in terms of how you felt. Is that correct?
‘Last weekend I was perhaps a little better, but you also have to deal with courses and such. It's a World Championship, so you're also cautious. I tried to minimize the risks, such as in the descents or with the beams.’

You now have eight. How would 10-year-old Mathieu have viewed that?
'He wouldn't have believed it. The victory in Tabor in 2015 was already very nice, but then I didn't succeed for three years. So you know what you're missing and that it always comes down to one hour in which everything has to go perfectly. But I never believed I would win eight. That makes me all the more proud and hopefully my record will stand for a while, just like Erik De Vlaeminck's record has done. '