Mathieu van der Poel draws clear conclusion ahead of world championships

And that is number 51: after an impressive victory in Hoogerheide, Mathieu van der Poel is now also the sole record holder for the most wins in the World Cup. Afterwards, the Dutchman was very satisfied, not least with his current form.

"I’m happy. I already felt strong yesterday (in Maasmechelen, ed.) and again today," said the world champion in a flash interview with Telenet. "My legs were good. I worked hard in Spain to be in top shape now and it seems to be paying off. I hope for a calm week ahead of the World Championships in Hulst, where I will go all out again."

Van der Poel not only secured a record-breaking win in Hoogerheide, but he can also once again call himself the overall winner of the World Cup. Does this still mean something to him? "Of course, it’s only the second time (after the 2017-2018 season, ed.) in my career that I’ve won the World Cup."

"I’m happy with it. It wasn’t easy, of course, since I haven’t raced every World Cup event, but with the addition of Benidorm, it was a bit easier to go for it."