Mathieu van der Poel delivered on expectation and etched his name deeper into cycling history on Sunday in Hulst, claiming an unprecedented eighth Cyclocross World Championship title. The victory moved him clear of Belgian great Erik De Vlaeminck and made the Dutchman the outright record holder in the discipline.
Van der Poel sealed the milestone in style, celebrating at the finish line with Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “Siuuu” pose — a gesture instantly recognizable to football fans around the world. While his dominance had been widely forecast, the world champion still had to master the heavy, muddy conditions of the Hulst circuit. After breaking clear early and riding alone at the front, he had ample time to reflect on how to mark the moment.
The win added another defining chapter to a career that continues to grow across multiple cycling disciplines. After crossing the line, Van der Poel also shared a symbolic moment with Sven Nys, the cyclocross legend who coached him during his childhood and played a formative role in his development.
“I think no one expects that when you start crossing,” Van der Poel told Sporza, reflecting on his record-breaking achievement. “When I started crossing as a little boy, Sven came to give me cross training. He was the only one back then who also jumped over beams.”
“No one starts crossing with the idea that he is going to become world champion eight times,” he added.
With the record now secured, familiar questions about Van der Poel’s cyclocross future resurfaced. The 29-year-old admitted he has not yet decided whether he will step away from the discipline for a season to focus fully on the road.
“I honestly haven’t decided yet myself,” he said. “I still really like crossing and the training is also very fun. It is just a thought to not do it for a year.”
In the immediate term, his attention turns to recovery and preparations for the road campaign. Van der Poel revealed he will take a short break to go skiing — a favored offseason activity of fellow pro Primož Roglič — before returning to Spain to begin structured training.
“I’m leaving tomorrow to go skiing for a few days. After that I’m going back to Spain to prepare for the road season,” he said.
A return to racing could come sooner rather than later, with the Opening Weekend of the classics just one month away. Van der Poel confirmed that Omloop Het Nieuwsblad remains a possibility, though no final decision has been made.
“Yes, that’s right, but I’m only going to decide that the week before,” he said. “If I feel good enough after that preparation, then I will certainly add it.”
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