It took a while for Mathieu van der Poel's winter program to take shape. "I reflected on it for a while," explains Mathieu. "After careful consideration and discussions with the team management and performance staff, I decided on a solid schedule of races. A more compact program of, say, two World Cup races combined with the World Championships was another option, but I think it makes more sense to do a more extensive package of races."
"Once that decision was made, I quickly mapped out the races I wanted to include. And yes, I’m fortunate to have the freedom to choose the races I enjoy most. It is no coincidence that with Zonhoven, Mol and Koksijde there are a few typical sand races on the menu."
One notable difference from the last two seasons is that Mathieu van der Poel will not be in Benidorm this time. He will be out of competition for two weekends in January. "We are taking a slightly different approach this winter. Last year, I started the season in top form, but the World Championships were not my very best race of the season in terms of feeling. Now we are really trying to peak at the Worlds by focusing on specific preparations during a training camp. For optimal efficiency, it’s better not to interrupt it."
Van der Poel is clear about his ambitions. "The seventh world title, of course. It is the only thing I still have to achieve in CX: this unique record of Erik De Vlaeminck. This aspiration has been a driving force in shaping my commitment to this winters cyclocross season. The world championship in Liévin is the only real goal, although I hope to fight for victory in all the other races I take part in. But we'll see how I do in the first weeks. As I said, the peak will be a bit later this year."
CYCLOCROSS PROGRAM – MATHIEU VAN DER POEL
* 22/12/24 – World Cup Zonhoven
* 23/12/24 – Superprestige Mol
* 26/12/24 – World Cup Gavere
* 27/12/24 – Exact Cross Loenhout
* 29/12/24 – World Cup Besancon
* 01/01/25 – X2O Trofee Baal
* 03/01/25 – X2O Trofee Koksijde
* 05/01/25 – World Cup Dendermonde
* 25/01/25 – World Cup Maasmechelen
* 26/01/25 – World Cup Hoogerheide
* 02/02/25 – World Championships Lièvin
