Van der Poel wins record eighth cyclo-cross world title in Hulst

Mathieu van der Poel claimed a historic eighth cyclo-cross world title on Sunday in Hulst, the Netherlands, after another dominant solo display. The 31-year-old Dutch rider finished well clear of compatriot Tibor Del Grosso and Belgium’s Thibau Nys, who took bronze.

Van der Poel made his intentions clear from the start and quickly broke away with Del Grosso and Nys. In the second lap he accelerated on a short climb, opening a decisive gap which he steadily increased for the rest of the race.

The Dutch star has now won every one of the 12 races he entered this winter. With world titles in 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025 already to his name, Sunday’s victory moves him past Belgian legend Erik De Vlaeminck to become the most successful rider in the sport’s history.

Despite his dominance, Van der Poel has hinted he may take a break from cyclo-cross in future winters to focus on the road season.

The championships were highly successful for the Netherlands, who collected five gold medals in Hulst. They won the mixed relay on Friday, Lucinda Brand triumphed in the elite women’s race on Saturday, and earlier on Sunday Delano Heeren and Leonie Bentveld also took junior and under-23 titles respectively.

^{© BELGA PHOTO DAVID PINTENS}