Mathieu van der Poel has spent the past three years operating on a level few riders in cycling history have reached. In cyclocross, the Dutch superstar has won virtually every race he has entered, creating a level of dominance that has sparked discussion about competitive monotony—and whether a winter away from the discipline could soon be on the cards.
With another Cyclocross World Championships approaching in February, the reigning world champion is once again the overwhelming favorite. Should he secure another rainbow jersey, van der Poel would break the all-time world title record, a milestone that could fundamentally change how he approaches future winters.
Unmatched Cyclocross Dominance Fuels Big Decisions
Van der Poel’s record over the past three seasons is staggering: all but one cyclocross race he has started has ended in victory. While this cements his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats, it also raises a critical question—what is left to achieve?
At the start of the current campaign, van der Poel admitted he is open to skipping a cyclocross winter in the future. However, that decision hinges largely on whether he wins the World Championships this year. Becoming the outright record-holder would place him in a unique position, with no clear rival capable of matching his tally in the near future.
Adrie van der Poel: “It Would Be Good for His Head”
Mathieu’s father and former world champion, Adrie van der Poel, believes a break from cyclocross could be beneficial under the right circumstances.
“I think it would be good for his head,” Adrie told Sporza, suggesting that once the major records are secured, continuing solely to extend them may not be the top priority.
According to Adrie, the decision is heavily influenced by Mathieu’s road calendar. This season, van der Poel focused on the Tour de France and ended his road campaign relatively early, making a winter of cyclocross the logical choice.
“Mathieu will not skip cyclocross this winter if he finishes his road season early,” Adrie explained. “Otherwise, the period without competition and pressure becomes too long.”
How the Road Calendar Could Change Everything
Under different circumstances, a cyclocross sabbatical becomes far more realistic. Adrie outlined a scenario where van der Poel rides the Vuelta a España followed by Italian autumn classics—an extended road season that would justify a winter off the muddy circuits.
The same logic applies to targeting the Road World Championships. However, many upcoming routes favor pure climbers, making it difficult for van der Poel to realistically challenge riders such as Tadej Pogačar or Remco Evenepoel at their peak.
In that context, experimenting with a different winter focused on rest, training, or alternative goals may better serve his long-term ambitions.
Records vs. Reinvention: What Matters Most?
If van der Poel claims another world title this winter—as his flawless win rate suggests he likely will—there may be little left to prove in cyclocross beyond extending records. While further victories would strengthen his historical legacy, they may not align with his evolving priorities.
Success on the road, longevity at the top level, and maintaining motivation appear to be increasingly important factors. Even Adrie acknowledges that the final decision rests solely with Mathieu.
“It’s not about what I think is right, but what Mathieu thinks is right. He makes his own choices,” he said, noting that while it would be nice to see him race events like the Hoogerheide World Cup, a winter off is a real possibility.
FAQ: Mathieu van der Poel and a Possible Cyclocross Break
Is Mathieu van der Poel skipping cyclocross this season?
No. Van der Poel is competing in cyclocross this winter, largely because his road season ended relatively early.
Could van der Poel skip cyclocross next winter?
Yes. Both Mathieu and his father Adrie have indicated that skipping a future cyclocross season is a realistic option, depending on his road calendar and motivation.
Why would skipping cyclocross be beneficial?
According to Adrie van der Poel, a winter off could be good mentally, especially if Mathieu has already achieved all major cyclocross goals, including the world title record.
Does winning the World Championships affect the decision?
Absolutely. Winning another world title would make van der Poel the outright record-holder, potentially reducing the incentive to continue racing cyclocross every winter.
Will van der Poel still focus on road racing?
Yes. Road success, including Grand Tours and major classics, is expected to play an even bigger role in shaping his future seasons.
As Mathieu van der Poel edges closer to yet another historic milestone, the possibility of a cyclocross-free winter no longer seems unthinkable—it may simply be the next evolution of a career unlike any other.
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