Mathieu van der Poel forced to skip World Cup Dendermonde as injury continues to disrupt cyclocross season

Another race expecting to count upon the presence of Mathieu van der Poel this winter is set to be disappointed as the cyclocross world champion continues to be plagued by injury issues.

"Mathieu van der Poel forced to skip Dendermonde as well," announces Alpecin-Deceuninck on social media. "Initially, Mathieu van der Poel planned to make a decision by Saturday, but the call came earlier than expected: the World Champion has announced his withdrawal from the World Cup round in Dendermonde."

“There’s no point in waiting any longer,” Van der Poel himself adds. “I did another test today, and it’s clear that Dendermonde comes too soon. On heavier off-road terrain, I’m still experiencing too much pain in my rib. I have no choice but to remain patient.”

Alpecin-Deceuninck also explain a little bit of what is now to come for Van der Poel. "As planned, Mathieu will head to a training camp in Spain after Dendermonde. Later this month, he is set to compete in the World Cup races in Maasmechelen and Hoogerheide before making a bid for his seventh world title in Liévin in early February. For now, the rest of his cyclocross program remains unaffected," the post concludes.