Cyclo-cross king Van der Poel adds record eighth world title in Hulst — after a flat tyre on the way to the race
Cyclocross
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Follow us on GoogleMathieu van der Poel added yet another record to his already impressive list of achievements on Sunday. The Dutchman from Alpecin-Premier Tech became world cyclo-cross champion for the eighth time in his own country, which also meant an eighth press conference in his rainbow jersey. IDLProCycling.com listened to what he had to say.
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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.”
VDP himself did not jump over beams, on the advice of his father Adrie. “I did that during the reconnaissance, but I realized that it was just as fast to run. So I decided not to take any unnecessary risks at that point.” Because you don't need to take unnecessary risks when you're as good as Van der Poel.
Read on below the video!
Mathieu van der Poel press conference after cyclocross World Cup
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read on below the video!
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.
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.
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.’
‘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.’
Read on below the video!
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.’
‘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.’
‘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. '
'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. '
Tom van der Salm (27) comes from the charming town of Zeilberg (Deurne) in the Netherlands and has been working as editor-in-chief & journalist at IDL Pro Cycling's parent site, In de Leiderstrui, since 2019. He travels with the peloton from the Tour de France to the AlUla Tour and from the World Championships in Rwanda or Canada to the Zilvermeercross in Mol. In his spare time he enjoys playing football, mountain biking, running, walking with his Labrador/Stabyhoun, investing, holidays, (specialty) beers, reading, cooking and watching sports & documentaries!
Contact: [email protected]
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Latest Comments
- I’m still learning the calendar: is cyclocross mainly preparation for the spring classics, or does he race it as a separate goal as well? I’d love to see him back in the mud.jeremya04-11-2026
- The article makes it sound as if Roubaix is the only classic where he has a realistic shot. He’s been close in Flanders too, and one good tactical day can change everything.jennifer1904-11-2026
- Milan-Sanremo and Roubaix is a pretty special pair of Monuments. Any clues yet on which cyclocross races he’ll target?andrewf04-11-2026
- He’s right to be realistic about Flanders with Pogačar and Evenepoel around, but you can’t count Van Aert out on those roads. If he gets the right opportunity, he has the engine and experience to take it.davidm04-11-2026
- That Roubaix win felt like such a release after all the near-misses. Brilliant to hear that joy outweighed relief for Wout.patriciaw04-11-2026
- Why would a mountain time trial be different from a normal one? Is it just that the riders have to climb the whole course?samanthak03-11-2026
- I don’t quite buy the “fear of failure” argument. Riders can race the Giro and still have confidence in July; it comes down to recovery and planning, doesn’t it?patriciaw03-11-2026
- The Giro-Tour double is a massive ask, even for the very best. Pogačar made it look almost routine in 2024, but that’s hardly a sensible benchmark for everyone else!pedalpowe2903-11-2026
- Bakelants makes a fair point: if the 2027 Tour really suits Remco, he can’t afford to dilute the build-up. That 37km flat TT will be tempting, mind.julien03-11-2026
- Mont Blanc sounds like a spectacular finish, though four climbs on the final day might be a bit much after eight hard stages. Hope the route details are clear soon.raceready703-11-2026
