📸 Mathieu van der Poel enjoys Bicky Burger, pizzoccheri, snow and his inner circle in the 24 hours after World Championship title
Cyclocross
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Follow us on GoogleMathieu van der Poel made cycling history on Sunday in Hulst by winning his eighth world title in cyclocross. The Dutchman immediately brought his winter campaign to an end in the Zeeland fortress town, which means… time for a holiday. This is what the first roughly 24 hours of MVDP as an eight-time world champion looked like.
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After his victory, the familiar routine followed — one he has done so many times by now that he could probably do it in his sleep. First came the tight embraces with his entourage, the flash interview, a quick change of clothes, the podium ceremony, and the usual round of chats with TV broadcasters (rights-holders and non-rights-holders alike). One unique “extra” was his meeting with King Willem-Alexander.
Then it was off — in a car arranged by the organisers — to the press conference room at the media centre a little further down the road. That was followed by a doping control, some photos and… a well-earned celebration. Van der Poel was fitted with a special jersey from bike sponsor Canyon, featuring the text “MVDP” and eight stars. Partner Roxanne Bertels, of course, joined him for the photo.
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What do you eat in between it all when you’ve just become world champion? A Bicky Burger! Still wearing his KNWU kit, Van der Poel accepted one of the well-known Flemish burgers. For those unfamiliar: the Bicky Burger comes with three sauces, a burger patty, a soft bun, crunchy fried onions and pickles.
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Van der Poel already in Italy for ski holiday
The morning after his title, Van der Poel was already in Italy, where he likes to ski in Livigno. He also made sure to fuel up properly on Monday, as the Dutchman showed on Instagram. What was on the menu? Pizzoccheri — a pasta dish with boiled potato cubes and vegetables, baked with cheese and butter.
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Pizzoccheri on the menu for the world champion.
Skiing — something he is very good at, by the way — is once again part of his post-Worlds routine in 2026, before the focus shifts back to the road season. Where Van der Poel will start that season is not yet known: he will only make that decision after his first training block.
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Van der Poel under the clear blue sky in Livingo.
In Benidorm he already told us that Omloop Het Nieuwsblad was in the back of his mind, but logically the final call still has to wait. His main targets are in any case from mid-March onwards, with Milan-San Remo and later Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. But first: enjoy the ski holiday!
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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