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Van der Poel Claims Record Eighth Cyclo-Cross World Crown With Solo Win in Hulst

The victory crowns an unbeaten winter, signaling a pivot toward spring objectives on the road.

Le Néerlandais Mathieu van der Poel en action lors des championnats du monde de cyclo-cross à Hulst aux Pays-Bas le 1er février 2026

Overview

  • He distanced the field early and finished alone ahead of Tibor Del Grosso and Thibau Nys.
  • He seized the lead about three minutes into the race and won by more than half a minute.
  • The eighth title sets a new all-time men’s record, surpassing Eric De Vlaeminck, and gives him 10 World Championship podiums in 11 starts.
  • He completed a perfect season with 13 wins from 13 races, having been beaten only once across the past three seasons, while Wout Van Aert did not start.
  • He was honored on the podium by King Willem-Alexander and now targets further road success, including a bid for a fourth Tour of Flanders.