Pidock is out, Van der Poel is a question mark, but Van Aert will race cyclocross this winter

In recent years, Van der Poel has been a fixture on the cyclocross circuit, although the number of races he’s competed in has decreased somewhat in the last few seasons. He has, however, consistently won the world championship title over the past four seasons, allowing him to claim his eighth rainbow jersey last winter in Hulst. This makes him the sole record holder for the most world titles, one more than Erik De Vlaeminck.

Has the record further diminished the need for cyclocross? After winning his eighth world title, Van der Poel was already talking about a ninth and tenth, but he always left the door open.

He did so again after finishing third at the Road World Championships. “I was mainly focused on this race, so I haven’t made a decision about the winter yet,” said the Dutch rider.

In addition to the fact that Van der Poel has shifted his focus more toward road racing in recent years with Alpecin-Premier Tech, he has also taken up mountain biking. His goals include the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and a world title in mountain biking.

Balancing all of that with cyclocross and road racing is quite a challenge for the 31-year-old all-rounder. “And we’re also expecting a baby, so we’ll see how it goes.”

Van der Poel is still facing a dilemma and may well follow in Tom Pidcock’s footsteps. The Brit last competed in the 2023/2024 cyclocross season and seems to be leaning toward skipping another cyclocross winter. “It’s certainly a bit early to be asking that question. But no, I don’t think I’ll be racing cyclocross this winter,” he said.

And so all eyes are on Wout van Aert, perhaps the only remaining member of the “Big Three” of yesteryear. Speaking to Cyclism’Actu and others after the World Championships, the Belgian said: “Of course I’ll be back in cyclocross, but for now, the bike is going in the suitcase. I’m going on vacation,” said Van Aert, who in recent years has invariably started a shortened cyclocross season in December. This year, he did so even without the World Championships.