Mathieu van der Poel has just returned from what he describes as an "active holiday" in America and doesn’t seem eager to immediately get back on the bike to prepare for his cyclocross campaign. However, cyclocross fans need not worry: Van der Poel will definitely be back to admire in the mud soon.
In an extensive interview with Het Laatste Nieuws, the 30-year-old Dutchman gives a small glimpse into his cyclocross schedule. When asked if he will race cyclocross again this winter, he responds: "Yes. In terms of number, planning, and setup, it will be somewhat similar to last year, but first a solid training block in Spain."
It’s still unclear when we will see Van der Poel in action again, but it will be a while. "I’m not really hungry for the bike yet, but that might also have to do with the gloomy weather in Belgium. An extra week of rest won’t hurt, because once my cyclocross period starts, we’re off again for a quick succession of cross races and classics. It’ll come around fast again."
Last year
Van der Poel initially had eleven cyclocross races on his program last year, although he had to skip the races in Baal, Koksijde, and Dendermonde due to a rib injury suffered at the Azencross.
Van der Poel recovered in time for the World Cups in Maasmechelen and Hoogerheide, managed to win these races, and then became world champion for the seventh time in Liévin. With this, he matched Erik De Vlaeminck’s record.
Mathieu van der Poel
