To cross or not to cross? Mathieu van der Poel keeps cyclocross world guessing

The cyclocross season is underway, but its biggest question remains unanswered: will eight-time world champion Mathieu van der Poel return to defend his rainbow jersey, or will the Dutchman sit out the winter altogether?

Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, former world champion Bart Wellens suggested that a winter without Van der Poel is becoming an increasingly realistic possibility.

"He really loves cyclocross, but he doesn't want the stress. And in terms of results, he's reached a point where he can only lose," Wellens said.

The upcoming birth of Van der Poel's first child could also influence his decision. His partner Roxanne Bertels is expecting their daughter in January, just weeks before the World Championships.

Wellens knows the feeling. His own daughter Lily was born in January 2009, during the cyclocross season.

"You're walking on clouds for weeks. But at the same time, cyclocross suddenly becomes very relative," he said. "So I would understand if Van der Poel skipped a year. Although that would be a real shame for cyclocross."

Paul Herygers sees things differently. Speaking to Sporza earlier this month, the former world champion questioned whether becoming a father would keep Van der Poel away.

"He might be the first to make that choice and focus entirely on the road, but there's still so much to race for in cyclocross."

"I hope he comes to his senses and shows up after all," he added in another interview with Sporza .

Former European champion Eli Iserbyt shares that belief. 

"I think he'll always ride the World Championships. It's only an hour, after all," Iserbyt said on the Pickx podcast Derailleur. "If I were Mathieu, I couldn't bear seeing someone else become world champion knowing I could have raced myself."

The possibility of skipping a winter has been on the table for some time, with Van der Poel himself raising doubts about his cyclocross future earlier this year.

In December 2025, Van der Poel openly considered ending his cyclocross career after securing a historic eighth world title.

"There has to be an end someday," Van der Poel told Algemeen Dagblad, adding that winning in Hulst would give him the opportunity to retire at the very top.

That scenario became reality on February 1, when Van der Poel dominated the World Championships in Hulst to claim his eighth rainbow jersey, moving clear of Erik De Vlaeminck's previous record of seven.

Afterwards, however, he stopped short of announcing his retirement. Instead, he suggested he might skip a winter to focus more fully on his road ambitions.

Those doubts remained when he wrapped up his road season with a bronze medal at the World Championships in Montréal in September.

"The cyclocross season? I haven't thought about that yet," Van der Poel told WielerFlits. "Becoming a father for the first time is very special. We'll see."

While Van der Poel continues to keep his plans open, longtime rival Wout van Aert has removed any uncertainty surrounding his own winter.

Speaking during a virtual group ride on ROUVY, the Visma | Lease a Bike rider confirmed he intends to race cyclocross again.

"I'm really looking forward to it, but I can't yet say where or when I'll start," Van Aert said, as reported by Het Nieuwsblad.

Van Aert's previous cyclocross campaign ended prematurely in Mol last January, when he crashed during a close battle with Van der Poel in the snow. The Belgian suffered a fractured ankle that required surgery, bringing his winter to an early end.

Van Aert will now finalise his programme with his team and coach, with the 2027 road campaign remaining the priority. Whether he will get another chance to face Van der Poel in the field remains to be seen.