Mathieu Van der Poel no longer appeared in a race cyclo-cross since his world title in Tabor on February 4, 2024, a title which brings him within one length of the record ofErik De Vlaeminckwhich has 7 world championship titles. Last season the Dutchman took part in 14 races for 13 victories, which is absolutely incredible. This season, the six-time world champion of the discipline has still not pedaled in the undergrowth. According to the coach of the Dutch cyclo-cross team, Gerben de Knegt, Mathieu Van der Poel has plans for the cyclo-cross season, as he explained after his victory in the Gravel World Championships : “I don't know if I will do cyclocross. Maybe. If I knew, I would tell you. We still have to make a decision,” declared the 29-year-old runner. However, Gerben de Knegtin an interview with CyclingFlitsstay on your guard.
Video – Mathieu Van der Poel 2024 cyclo-cross world champion
“He has cross-functional projects, but the question is whether they are compatible.”
“I haven't heard anything concrete yet. And if he lets something be known, we're never sure of anything either,” he said, laughing. “Let's see what it is first. He has cross-functional projects, but the question is whether they are compatible. I'll wait and see. I understand that he wants to do without a crossover winter for once. Knowing him, he would prefer not to do two or three races and then participate in the World Championships. If he has to do a race, it's because he wants to do more. Then it will be very busy anyway and that will put pressure on the preparation for the road. He will have to make this compromise,” concludes the 48-year-old Dutch coach.
