Mathieu van der Poel continues to crush his rivals in cyclocross, but the reigning world champion is wondering for how much longer he will do so. In an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, the Dutchman said his time in ‘cross may be ending soon.
“It’s something I’m thinking about,” Van der Poel said.
Break the record, then call time?
Van der Poel explained that his motivation is tied to timing and legacy. He has long said he would like to stop with the record number of world titles on home soil — and with an eighth crown within reach at the upcoming world championships in Hulst, that moment may be approaching. That would give the 30-year-old pro the all-time record. Currently, he is tied at eight with Eric De Vlaeminck.
Van der Poel dominates first 2025-2026 ‘cross race against van Aert
Looking further ahead, Van der Poel was cautious about targeting future championships, including the 2028 worlds in Hoogerheide. He stressed the importance of choosing the right moment to step away. Ending a career past its peak, he suggested, would be hard to accept. While he stopped short of assuming victory in Hulst, he acknowledged that success there would give him the freedom to decide.
Does ‘cross help or hinder road racing?
The Alpecin–Deceuninck rider also pointed to practical considerations. ‘Cross, he said, demands significant physical and mental energy, something that impacts his road programme. Reducing or eliminating winter racing could allow for more rest and longer training camps, potentially spending the entire winter in Spain.
Van der Poel does not believe cyclocross is essential to maintaining top form on the road — and he even wonders whether his level there could improve without it. Still, he admits there would be things he would miss. The racing itself, and the atmosphere created by the fans, remain close to his heart.
For now, no final decision has been made. But the question of when — not if — is clearly getting closer. His rivals, however, may be relieved at the news. Recently, upon hearing that MvdP was returning to competition, the majority of them conceded that meant they’d be racing for second for the rest of the year. The world champion, however, hoped that they would keep trying to beat him, saying he knows how it feels to face difficult riders. “I’ve been in winters where I could do nothing against Wout. You try every time, just like I do against Tadej Pogačar on the road. You continue to cherish that hope,”…
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