📸 Mathieu van der Poel enjoys Bicky Burger, pizzoccheri, snow and his inner circle in the 24 hours after World Championship title

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!