Mathieu van der Poel dominates 2024 Cyclocross World Championships and wins sixth title; Joris Nieuwenhuis and Michael Vanthourenhout seal podium

Mathieu van der Poel was the man to beat at the 2024 Cyclocross World Championships in Tabor and he confirmed that status. The Dutchman has won his sixth world title in Tabor, leading the race from start to finish.

The race in the Czech Republic began in familiar fashion. Mathieu van der Poel hit the front of the race right from the first lap. He decided not to leave the race to chance as in some of his performances this season, and tried to make the difference right from the opening minutes of the race.

This proved to be successful at first, as he shot off the front with only Joris Nieuwenhuis following closely. The gaps very quickly established as the course featured several tough climbing and running sections. Clément Venturini was among the top chasers after the first lap, but fatigue began to hit a few figures, and a new group emerged behind.

Van der Poel began to consolidate his gap with Nieuwenhuis behind, whilst Michael Vanthourenhout and Pim Ronhaar followed in the fight for third place. Vanthourenhout surged in the tough course but the positions at the front remained stable. Van der Poel crossed the line to take a comfortable victory, the sixth of his career and the ultimate goal of his winter.

Joris Nieuwenhuis finished second with a very strong performance, holding off the rest after having made the difference in the beginning of the race. Vanthourenhout finished third, followed by Pim Ronhaar and Eli Iserbyt.