"Mathieu is always welcome": Dutch cyclocross prepares for exciting Nationals weekend in absence of their superstar

The Dutch cyclocross Championships will be one of the most anticipated races of the weekend, alongside their Belgian counterparts. The KNWU have presented the course for Sunday's race which take place in Huijberge. The venuie has already witnessed a number of the races to declare the best cyclocrosser of the Netherlands, and 2026 will write another exciting chapter in the venue's history.

Huijbergen has already seen titles for illustrious cyclocross legends such as Richard Groenendaal (2003), Gerben de Knegt (2006), Lars Boom (2009 and 2012), and Mathieu van der Poel (2019). Meanwhile on women's side, Daphny van den Brand (three times), Marianne Vos, and Lucinda Brand have also triumphed there.

Compared to the previous editions, the course has changed somewhat. The Nootjesberg is no longer included, but the Tiestenduin is being used even more. Because the landowner now allows the organization to use the back of the dune as well, all the elevation gain on that slope on the Brabantse Wal is being maximized.

"The landowner gave us permission to do what we wanted, so you don't have to tell our course designers twice," Jeroen van Weze stated in a press release.

However the National Championships will be held without the Dutch cyclocross superstar Mathieu van der Poel who prioritizes altitude camp in Spain in view to his road season. "Mathieu is always welcome, of course, he can still change his mind," said Van Wezel.

There are upsides to Van der Poel's absence too, creating an upredictable race would be one of the main ones. Suddenly, a wide range of title aspirants emerge. "But I think we can expect a very exciting race now. Tibor Del Grosso stands out somewhat as the defending champion, but there are also plenty of challengers, including Joris Nieuwenhuis, Pim Ronhaar, Lars van der Haar, Ryan Kamp, and Mees Hendrikx, who will also want to go for the title."

"And in the women's race, I expect a top-notch battle," he continues. "Lucinda Brand is making a strong impression, but just before the National Championships, Ceylin Alvarado is also in excellent form, and defending champion Puck Pieterse is showing an upward trend. And there are always other contenders in the Netherlands. That's guaranteed to be a great battle as well. We're certainly looking forward to it."