Mathieu van der Poel continued his extraordinary dominance of the 2025 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup season by securing a ninth consecutive victory at Zonhoven. The Dutch superstar once again proved untouchable on the demanding Limburg sand circuit, while the race was also marked by a dramatic moment involving Thibau Nys, who snapped his handlebars in a heavy crash.
Van der Poel Extends Unbeaten Run at Zonhoven
From the opening laps in Zonhoven, Mathieu van der Poel set a relentless pace that immediately distanced him from his rivals. The treacherous sand sections, steep climbs, and technical descents played perfectly into his strengths, allowing him to assert control early in the race.
Despite pressure from a strong chasing group, van der Poel never looked threatened. His superior bike handling, explosive accelerations, and flawless line choices ensured he crossed the finish line comfortably, extending his unbeaten streak to nine straight World Cup wins.
A Masterclass in Cyclo-cross Dominance
Van der Poel’s performance in Zonhoven reinforced his status as the benchmark in modern cyclo-cross. Winning nine consecutive UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup races is a rare achievement and highlights his consistency across varying courses and conditions.
With each victory, van der Poel strengthens his grip on the World Cup standings and sends a clear message to his rivals ahead of the championship-deciding races later in the season.
Thibau Nys’ Race Ends in Misfortune
While van der Poel celebrated another triumph, the race took a dramatic turn for Thibau Nys. The young Belgian talent was involved in a heavy crash during the race, snapping his handlebars on impact.
The incident immediately ended Nys’ challenge and raised concerns given his strong form this season. Fortunately, early indications suggested no serious injuries, but the crash was a stark reminder of the risks involved in elite-level cyclo-cross, particularly on a brutal course like Zonhoven.
Impact on the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Season
Van der Poel’s victory further cements his dominance of the World Cup campaign, while the setback for Thibau Nys could have implications for his overall standings and confidence heading into upcoming rounds.
As the season progresses, attention will now turn to whether anyone can halt van der Poel’s momentum—or if he will continue rewriting the record books with yet another flawless run.
How many consecutive UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup races has Mathieu van der Poel won?
Mathieu van der Poel has now won nine consecutive UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup races, showcasing remarkable consistency and dominance.
Where was the Zonhoven World Cup race held?
The race took place in Zonhoven, Belgium, known for its deep sand sections and physically demanding course.
What happened to Thibau Nys during the race?
Thibau Nys crashed heavily during the race and snapped his handlebars, forcing him to abandon the event.
Was Thibau Nys seriously injured?
Initial reports suggested no serious injuries, but the crash ended his race prematurely.
Why is the Zonhoven course considered so challenging?
Zonhoven is famous for its deep sand pits, steep climbs, and technical terrain, making it one of the toughest courses on the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup calendar.
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