“I was one of the better riders today” – Tibor del Grosso lives up to ‘next Van der Poel’ tag with second behind superstar teammate in Zonhoven

There was no stopping Mathieu van der Poel in Zonhoven, but behind the dominant winner, a different story quietly took shape. On a course where mistakes came thick and fast, Tibor del Grosso delivered the kind of ride that continues to fuel comparisons which have followed him throughout his rise, finishing second as the clear best of the rest behind his Alpecin-Premier Tech teammate.

Del Grosso’s performance was not built on a flawless afternoon. The Dutch champion had to overcome a disrupted start, a crash and a puncture on a circuit that punished every lapse in concentration. Yet as the race settled, he consistently emerged as the strongest rider behind Van der Poel, gradually distancing the remaining contenders and locking down second place.

“I think it went pretty well,” Del Grosso said afterwards in conversation with Wielerflits. “I think I was one of the better riders in the race, even though the start didn’t really go my way.”

That understated assessment reflected the calm with which he navigated a chaotic race. While others faded or fell victim to the conditions, Del Grosso repeatedly reasserted himself. “There was also a crash and I had a puncture,” he added. “But in the end, it worked out.”

By the closing laps, Del Grosso’s position was secure, and his confidence showed. With the podium effectively settled, he even found time to entertain the crowd, producing an audacious jump on the slippery course, a moment that echoed the flair that has long drawn comparisons with his teammate.

“Why did I do that?” he smiled. “You have to enjoy it. The 12-year-old Tibor would have jumped every lap, but these days I hold back a little.”

The physical toll was visible at the finish, with knocks to his knee and shoulder, but Del Grosso played down any concerns. More significant was what the result represented. Finishing second behind Van der Poel in a World Cup race, on a day defined by ice, crashes and constant pressure, was another data point in a growing body of evidence that he belongs firmly among the elite.

Del Grosso may not seek the comparisons that follow him, but in Zonhoven he delivered exactly the kind of performance that keeps them alive, matching expectation with execution on one of cyclocross’ most unforgiving stages.