"I still have time" - Mathieu van der Poel won't be quick to make decision on cyclocross future

At what point should a successful story come to an end? Mathieu van der Poel has recently beaten the record for most world cup race wins in cyclocross; and now he has finally achieved his eighth world title in the discipline which puts him at an unique position in the sport. The Dutch rider is still at the top of his game and with only 31 years of age, but with the list of achievements in cyclocross fulfilled, will he now stop?

In December, van der Poel was asked about his continuation in the discipline. “It is something I think about, yes. I have always said it would be very nice to stop in my own country with the record. For the rest, there would not be much more left for me to achieve in cyclocross". He has now won in Hulst, uncontested, and has captured an eighth world title. With the legs the Dutchman has, he can certainly expand on this record, but that is not seemingly what motivates him.

After spending a decade combining cyclocross and the road together in the winter and spring, he has shown eagerness on experimenting with a 'regular' spring. Although he has equally thrived on the road as well, there are more races he could still potentially win, and at the moment his level does allow him to do so. But throughout the upcoming months there will be no lack of questions on whether he will skip the upcoming cyclocross fully, partially, or not at all.

"I still have time. It'll be a long time before the next cross season," van der Poel admitted in words captured by Wielerflits. The weight of achievement is big, as he concludes another cyclocross season on a high. "It's always special, but this one is unique because it makes me the sole record holder, and in my own country too."