With just days to go before the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Hulst, Mathieu van der Poel is approaching the race with a familiar mix of realism, calm confidence and respect for the unpredictability of a World Championship.
Despite his strong winter and recent dominance, the Alpecin-Premier Tech rider is keen to temper expectations. “If only it were that easy,” Van der Poel says. “I’m certainly not heading to Hulst with the feeling that it’s already done. At a World Championships, anything can happen: mechanical issues, a bad day, a broken chain… I’ve experienced it before, going in as the favourite and it not working out. Things look good, but the race still has to be ridden.”
Recent races, including Hoogerheide, offered encouraging signs, even if Van der Poel insists the picture was not entirely straightforward. “Hoogerheide gave a somewhat distorted view, with the chasers watching each other a lot,” he explains. “But personally, I felt really good. The step I wanted to take in Spain during the first three weeks of January, I’ve taken. I feel different compared to before I left. Exactly what we had planned for this winter. But once again: it all has to happen on Sunday.”
One win from the record books
An eighth world title would place Van der Poel alone at the top of cyclo-cross history, surpassing the long-standing record of seven from Erik De Vlaeminck. While aware of the significance, he prefers not to dwell on it. “I try not to focus on it too much,” he says. “But I do realise it would be something unique. I think everyone believed that the record of seven titles would never be broken.”
Rather than counting titles himself, Van der Poel views the numbers as a by-product of performance. “I mainly see them as a consequence of my results. It’s not like I keep track of the numbers myself. But it’s nice that journalists do it for me,” he smiles. “As I get older, I do reflect on it a bit more. When I started, I never expected this. No one did, I think.”
From stress to control: the mental shift
Experience, he believes, has made a tangible difference during last years. “The biggest change is that I can handle more training as I’ve grown older, and I’ve become mentally stronger,” he explains. “That was clear again in Maasmechelen. In the past, I would have stressed about punctures. That’s completely gone now. I don’t get nervous very quickly anymore.”
Cyclo-cross future: decision postponed
Van der Poel has previously acknowledged that he has thought about his future in CX. “I’ve thought about it and talked about it, but I haven’t made a final decision yet,” he says. “And I won’t be making that decision immediately after the World Championships either.”
What remains beyond doubt is his motivation. “I still really enjoy cyclo-cross,” Van der Poel stresses. “But from time to time you have to consider other options. There will always come an end, and I’ve always hoped to stop at a high point. If you’re given that choice, it makes the decision a bit easier.”
For now, the focus is clear. “I’m so close now,” he admits. “That eighth title remains the goal, no matter what. If I don’t take on Sunday? Then I continu, for sure!”
Hulst course notes: bridges, pontoons, rain
As for the Hulst course itself, Van der Poel has yet to inspect it in detail. “I’ve heard there will be extra bridges and pontoons over the water, and that it’s become a bit heavier,” he says. “Rain is also forecast. Hopefully we’ll get a tough edition. I’ll probably go and have a look later in the week.”
Asked what he would do if he were in the position of a rival trying to beat Mathieu van der Poel, the world champion turned the perspective inward. “I would always believe in my chances,” he said. “I can recognise parts of what others are going through. I know what it feels like not to be able to follow Pogacar on the Oude Kwaremont. I experience that myself… For me, that works as motivation. It makes me work even harder.”
Photos: Fellusch
