Mathieu van der Poel made a triumphant return to cyclocross on December 22, 2024, at the Zonhoven World Cup, where he showcased his remarkable skills with a dominant solo performance. The reigning world champion crossed the finish line with an impressive 1:36-minute advantage over his nearest rival, Thibau Nys, and secured third place was Joran Wyseure.
Starting the race at the middle of the pack, Van der Poel wasted no time maneuvering through the crowd. Within the first minute, he had already overtaken about ten cyclists, showcasing his exhilarating speed and determination. By the time he reached the infamous "Kuil van Zonhoven," a steep and treacherous descent within the sandy terrain of the venue, he had established himself firmly at the front.
Upon completing the first lap, Van der Poel held a significant lead of 21 seconds over his competitors. From there, it was clear he was on track for victory as he increased his margin, leaving behind seasoned riders such as Nys and Pim Ronhaar to contest for the remaining podium spots.
Despite having just two training sessions under his belt prior to this race, Van der Poel appeared confident and ready. "Dat maakt het wat zwaarder en ik denk dat dat mij iets beter ligt momenteel," he expressed, indicating how the challenging conditions—including rain, hail, and snow—played to his advantage this season.
While Van der Poel pulled away, the real race unfolded behind him. Nys, the son of two-time world champion Sven Nys, led the chase group, eventually distancing himself from Ronhaar to secure the silver medal. The excitement greeted Nys as he attempted to bridge the gap to Van der Poel, but the world champion proved too strong on this day.
Other notable competitors like Lars van der Haar fought valiantly after initially falling behind, but their subsequent struggles highlighted the dominant performance by Van der Poel, who seemed to glide effortlessly toward victory.
Crossing the finish line, Van der Poel joyfully raised his arms to salute the Belgian crowd. He remarked, "Ik had het niet verwacht" ("I didn't expect it"), reflecting on the emotions tied to his surprising success following such limited preparation.
Looking to the future, Van der Poel has high hopes. This victory not only marks his impressive performance at Zonhoven but also sets up his ambitions for the upcoming world championships on February 2, 2025. After peaking earlier than desired last season, Van der Poel has shifted focus this year toward building endurance rather than speed. His strategy appears to be paying off, showing the thoughtful evolution of his training program.
Fans are eagerly awaiting his next appearance, particularly his anticipated showdown with rival Wout van Aert. With van Aert having missed the competition due to illness, the cycling community is buzzing about the potential epic clashes to come. Van der Poel, for his part, is determined to maintain his momentum as he seeks to reclaim his title and even break records this season.
