“…And the Last Time, Too”: Days Ahead of Cyclo-cross World, 5-Time Title Holder Mathieu van der Poel Hints at End of an Era

Mathieu van der Poel, as a 5X cross world champion and multi-discipline star has grown to present a memorable era through his dominance. The Dutch cycling icon has stood hoarded in accolades across his career and the 2023/24 season has been no different. With his most recent win, he added a 12th win to his 13 races this season. However, despite the momentum, the star may hold a bittersweet announcement.

Mathieu van der Poel has stayed in the industry for well over a decade, gaining prominence along the way. The stance shone as he secured the last win of the World Cup race at the 2023/24 season round in Hoogerheide to total the tally at 13 wins. But with the win came Mathieu’s hint at marking an end to a celebrated reign.

Mathieu van der Poel shares his thoughts

The 2024 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championship is all set to take place on February 3rd and 4th in Tabor, Czech Republic; a place where Mathieu van der Poel earned his first elite title. Now, the 29-year-old who has maintained a firm form through the season and owns 5 titles to his name, will be announcing his presence among the best of the athletes. However, as per the star’s words, it could possibly mark his last race. “It could be nice, my first time as world champion in Tábor, and the last time, too,” van der Poel said according to Velo.

A win at the World Championships could mean a sixth title for van der Poel, enough to equal the ‘second-most crowned male crosser‘ record. But for the champion only ‘Cyclo-cross arrives as a competition’. The rest of the disciplines are what brought him into the realm. “Those other cross races are beautiful, but they are no longer goals,” he adds. But currently focusing on the nearing stage, Poel has received numerous winning speculations based on his continued wins.

The world champion adorns top form

On Saturday, Mathieu van der Poel took on the X20 Trofee Hamme to stay a comfortable distance ahead of his competitors. 16 seconds ahead of Michael Vanthourenhout by the last lap, van der Poel clinched his fourth X2O Trophy. “I felt I did a lot of work, so hopefully I’ll have my best legs next week,” he said after adding 160th overall victory to his name. A day later, the number increased by one more as he dominated the final World Cup race of the season in the Netherlands.

Also Read: “Had to End Someday” – Mathieu van der Poel’s Unprecedented Cyclo-Cross Streak of 10 Wins Ends With Benidorm Misfortune

Continued wins or not, according to Mathieu van der Poel, the World Championships in Tabor is where he aims to bring out his best. If he were to miss the victory, he wouldn’t call it a successful winter. But with the record he has held so far, fans only hope for the best.

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