Results World Cup Koksijde | Mathieu van der Poel does it again as winning streak continues for World Champion

Mathieu van der Poel once again underlined his status as the benchmark in cyclocross with a commanding victory in Koksijde. The world champion rode to his fifth win in the West Flemish World Cup round, delivering a dominant performance in the demanding sands of the Duinencross. With his main rivals absent from the start line, the Dutchman left no doubt about the balance of power.

The build-up to the weekend had centred on the first head-to-head of the season between Van der Poel and Wout van Aert, but that confrontation was confined to Antwerp. In Koksijde, Van Aert was not on the start list, nor was Thibau Nys. As a result, Van der Poel lined up in the heavy sand against a field without a clear, established challenger.

Ahead of the race, Van der Poel had played down expectations, suggesting he would build his effort gradually. That intention, however, did not last long. Already in the second lap, the world champion delivered his first acceleration, immediately threatening to put the race beyond reach. His move created a gap, but sand specialist Laurens Sweeck refused to concede.

The Belgian closed the distance on his own and brought a small chasing group back into contention, including Tibor Del Grosso, Toon Aerts and Niels Vandeputte. For a brief period, the race regained a competitive edge, though it proved short-lived.

After just over twenty minutes of racing, Van der Poel increased the tempo once more, this time with greater authority. Where earlier attacks had been answered, this acceleration proved decisive. Del Grosso and Vandeputte attempted to respond but were quickly forced to relent, while Sweeck also saw the gap begin to widen.

By the start of the fifth lap, Van der Poel had built a lead of around twenty seconds. From that point on, he was able to manage his effort and focus on a controlled, error-free ride. The battle for victory was settled, but behind him the fight for the remaining podium places remained open.

The chasing group continued to contest the minor placings. Del Grosso, Vandeputte and Sweeck matched each other for much of the closing phase, with Aerts still within striking distance. Del Grosso, in particular, stood out. The Dutch champion rode attentively and impressed in the sand, despite visible back discomfort.

In the end, it was Sweeck who had timed his effort best. In the final lap, he launched a series of sharp accelerations through the sandy sections, decisively distancing his rivals. Vandeputte secured third place, while Del Grosso narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth.

For Van der Poel, the victory marked the 46th World Cup win of his career and yet another confirmation of his exceptional standing in the discipline. Faultless, composed and seemingly effortless, he dictated the race from the moment it mattered most in one of the toughest cyclocross events of the season.