Mathieu van der Poel expects a 'tough race' in Hoogerheide

Mathieu van der Poel already equaled Sven Nys' World Cup record on Saturday; today, the Dutchman can become the sole record holder for the most World Cup wins. But first, he needs to win in 'his' Hoogerheide. What does the world champion expect from the final World Cup race?

Van der Poel often arrives at the cyclocross in a luxury car, but on Sunday, the Alpecin-Premier Tech rider showed up on his bike in Hoogerheide. "It’s always good to come by bike; it helps loosen up the legs," MVDP told Het Nieuwsblad before the start.

The dominant rider in the field then shared his thoughts on the race on the Brabantse Wal. "The course is fast, so it will be a tough race. Yesterday (in Maasmechelen, ed.) it was easier to make a difference. Here it’s difficult, but if Hoogerheide is fast, you can’t break away quickly."

With a new win in Hoogerheide, Van der Poel will write a new chapter in cyclocross history: he would then be the rider with the most World Cup victories. "I’m mainly looking forward to winning here; I’m not really focused on that record," Van der Poel concludes.