"Competing only in the World Championships is an option" - Dutch national coach on Mathieu van der Poel's CX season
Cyclocross
Mathieu van der Poel's schedule for the ongoing cyclocross season is one of the biggest questions in the discipline. The reigning World Champion's return is not assured, whilst racing only the World Championships could also be a possibility.
“I’ve given it some thought, but honestly, I couldn’t say for sure," de Knegt shared with Wielerflits. "Competing only in the World Championships is an option, of course. But I know from past experience that it’s not an approach he’s particularly fond of; he usually prefers to race more often".
The Dutchman has been unbeatable for years now in the discipline, winning every single race he takes part in - most of them comfortably. After winning his record-breaking eighth world title last January, he decided he might not race cyclocross this winter - for the first time in his career.
It could help him better prepare the road season, or follow a different path that may lead to unexpected improvements. But De Knegt, who has helped van der Poel to several World titles, wonders on how a return would look like.
"This time, however, it will be tricky to manage. Alternatively, he could start much earlier, in December, and then take a break in January, when he’s set to become a father.”
Will Mathieu van der Poel return to cyclocross this winter?
Alternatively, a complete absence from cyclocross this winter is also fully plausible. "It’s really difficult for me to determine what the ideal scenario might be for him".
"That’s a choice that belongs only to him. I believe the most important thing is that, if he feels that spark—that desire to race cyclocross—then he should follow his instinct.”
Mathieu van der Poel's unique ability
Belgian team manager Angelo de Clercq certainly does not underestimate the Dutchman's abilities: “Mathieu has a unique ability to move from the back of the field to the front in just a lap and a half. I think he’s the only one capable of doing that".
That has been seen many times in the past, a feature of his ability on the bike, but also exemplary technique. The Alpecin-Premier Tech rider is cyclocross' best ever, and could return to competition ahead of the World Championships so as to ensure a better starting position.
"He could certainly choose to take part in one or two World Cup events—perhaps in Zonhoven, Hamme, or Hoogerheide—to secure a spot in the first two rows by putting in a strong performance.”
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However De Clercq hopes for a full field next January in Oostende, with the best cyclocross racers in the World. “Imagine if everyone were there. I believe we would see a spectacular World Championship, very much like the one we witnessed in Hoogerheide".
"A World Championship deserves to have the best riders at the start. But, looking strictly at the race itself, whether or not Mathieu is present certainly makes a difference for our Belgian riders.”
Rúben SilvaEditor-in-Chief
A founding contributor to CyclingUpToDate since its launch in January 2022, Ruben Silva has played a central role in shaping the site’s editorial direction and long-term growth. Before joining the project, he built his experience through independent blogging at Echelons Hub and by producing race previews for Ciclismo Internacional, developing a strong analytical voice rooted in daily engagement with professional cycling.
Beyond editorial work, he has been closely involved in the expansion and coordination of CyclingUpToDate’s wider network, helping establish and support sister platforms across multiple languages. This includes ongoing collaboration with CiclismoAlDia (Spanish), CiclismoAtual (Portuguese), WielrennenUpToDate (Dutch), and RadsportAktuell (German), contributing to a shared editorial vision and consistent international coverage.
He also helps oversee editorial governance across the network, setting standards for accuracy and consistency and coordinating updates or corrections when needed.
Originally from the Porto metropolitan area in Portugal, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography. His path into cycling journalism was shaped not through formal media training, but through independent reporting, community engagement, and sustained on-the-ground involvement in the sport.
Over the course of his career, he has conducted approximately 100 interviews across road cycling and cyclocross, ranging from one-to-one conversations and online formats to press conferences and on-site pre- and post-race coverage. His interviews include leading riders, team managers, and prominent figures within cycling media: Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel, Primoz Roglic, Wout van Aert, Joao Almeida and Tom Pidcock; managers like Patrick Lefevere and Joxean Matxin; and YouTube personality Bryan Kennedy (BKXC)...
Within 18 months of launch, he helped grow CyclingUpToDate’s English-language platform into one of the most-read cycling news websites, built entirely from the ground up. As both a professional journalist and lifelong cycling enthusiast, his focus remains on delivering accurate, timely, and well-contextualized coverage.
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