“I've trained well in Spain and I feel ready to start" - Mathieu van der Poel explains earlier than expected return to cyclocross

After initial rumours, Mathieu van der Poel and Alpecin-Deceuninck have moved quickly to confirm that yes, the world champion will return to cyclocross earlier than expected this winter.

Returning to action at one of the toughest courses of the season in Herentals, van der Poel will be straight into the drama as he faces off with one of his main rivals and former cyclocross world champion in his own right, Tom Pidcock.

“I've trained well in Spain and I feel ready to start in X2O Trofee Herentals," van der Poel explains of his decision in an initial response via Alpecin-Deceuninck's official X (Twitter) account. "An extra competition hour ahead of the busy Christmas period can only be positive.”