Mathieu van der Poel reveals broken rib ahead of World Cup Maasmechelen return: “It is still not going so well”

Six-time world cyclocross champion Mathieu van der Poel is back in action today at the World Cup Maasmechelen. The Dutchman has been absent from several World Cup races due to a crash at Azencross Loenhout, a race he still managed to win. However, it has now been revealed that his absence over the past month was due to a broken rib.

Speaking to Wielerflits, Van der Poel explained, "It is still not going so well, it is still not completely connected so that still causes some discomfort. But it is what it is. I can't change anything so I hope the pain is not too bad."

The rib fracture has not fully healed, meaning Van der Poel continues to feel discomfort as he makes his return to competition. Despite this, the reigning world champion has been training in Spain in preparation for the upcoming spring classics, even opting to skip the cyclocross race in Benidorm. "That training period was very important for me in the run-up to the spring," he says.

Van der Poel's return to cyclocross comes after several weeks without racing, leaving him uncertain about his form heading into Maasmechelen. "This weekend has not much to do with the next weekend for me," he said, referencing the upcoming World Championships. "It would be nice to go into next week with a good feeling today, but being top today and tomorrow offers no guarantees."