No ill effects from crash and in perfect health: Mathieu van der Poel ready for cyclocross worlds in Hulst

Can he actually lose? Mathieu van der Poel starts as the overwhelming favorite for the Elite Cyclocross World Championships. The Dutchman appeared relaxed just a few hours before the start.

He was asked, among other things, about his victory gesture if he were to cross the finish line for the eighth time as world champion this afternoon. "I'm not thinking about that," he says with a smile. "I hope to decide that in the final straight. Of course, I have good chances, but it's not like I think I’ll become world champion here with my eyes closed."

Is Van der Poel planning to go full throttle right away to make an early break? "That would be the ideal scenario, but the start has to go well for that. You can’t control that."

"In recent races, I’ve shown it doesn’t necessarily have to be in the first lap. That doesn’t make me nervous anymore. It’s a World Championship. We’ll see. Being first across the line: that’s what counts."

In top form 
During his first reconnaissance of the course, Van der Poel had a scare: he fell on one of the bridges. Is he cautious about that? "That’s exactly why I scout the course. You know the bridges can be slippery. That’s also the danger when you’re riding the course at race pace. That’s when you really see the risks. It was just a small slip."

While the Belgian cyclocross team has been hit by illness, Van der Poel feels in top shape. "Luckily, yes. That’s often the most important thing leading up to a championship – staying healthy. And I’ve managed that."