Mathieu van der Poel wishes to take rainbow jersey in gravel: "You can see that it is really becoming a big discipline"

Mathieu van der Poel is the reigning Cyclocross World Champion but at the time being, he just lost his title on the road. However this Sunday he has the opportunity to take another world title for himself in Leuven, as he tackles a very strong list of riders for the Gravel World Championships.

“It is a goal in itself. Not necessarily to become world champion in another discipline, but you can see that it is really becoming a big discipline. It is also a nice field of participants. It will be a fun race," van der Poel told Wielerflits. “The plan is to stay out of trouble. That is the most important thing. You definitely have to avoid bad luck on gravel, because otherwise it can mean the end of the race. I consider myself one of the favorites, but there are other riders who can win. But I hope to be close today.”

Perhaps very modest, van der Poel enters the race with limited ambitions by his own words and prioritizing safety. In reality, he is the most highly regarded rider by most in the race and considered the man to beat. His form at the Zurich World Championships was phenomenal, and alongside his bike handling skills and suited route, there really is no argument against his favouritism. There will be plenty other quality figures and always a lot can happen in an off-road event, but the Dutchman will know what to do and will be in pursuit of the world title.

“No, not that. In a gravel race, the conditions can change quickly. It is a long race and the first step is to stay out of trouble. I think it is very nice. The loop around Brussels is particularly beautiful. The local circuit has beautiful sections, but also passages on the road to get to the center, but that is logical," he added. "If you look at the women, you would say that it is possible to make the difference. It is a difficult circuit. As always with gravel: the door will be open at the back.”