10 out of 10! Van der Poel dominates yet again at UCI World Cup Benidorm

Mathieu van der Poel was reportedly set to skip Benidorm, according to social media rumours, but those doubts disappeared when he took his place on the start line for another demolition job in the 2025/2026 cyclocross season. Thibau Nys was also in the field, along with Van der Poel’s teammate Tibor Del Grosso.

As soon as the flag dropped, the pace was ferocious. On a fast flowing course built for high tempo racing, Van der Poel looked ready for business immediately.

Just after the completion of the first lap, it was blast off. Del Grosso lit the race on fire, and Van der Poel did what we have seen a dozen times already this season. Nobody was able to match the World Champion. Behind him, Del Grosso and Nys were part of a chasing group, with Joris Nieuwenhuis also looking in top shape.

From there, the fight for the podium became the main focus. During the fourth lap, Mees Hendrix, Nys, and Nieuwenhuis got clear, still a significant distance behind the solo Van der Poel. The trio were caught shortly before the start of the fifth lap.

On the fifth lap, Spanish champion Felipe Orts attacked from the chasing group and opened a small gap. He even gained time on Van der Poel, but the Spaniard was soon joined by Belgian champion Nys, with the pair looking set to claim the remaining podium places.

As the race progressed, the situation barely changed. Van der Poel continued to motor over the course out front, while the chase behind settled into its own battle.

Heading onto the final lap, Van der Poel held a 48 second advantage over Nys and Orts, with a tightly packed group a handful of seconds further back that briefly threatened to close in, but never truly did. 

Late in the lap, Nys dropped Orts to secure second, while Orts held on for third on home soil. Up front, Van der Poel sealed yet another win.