Mathieu van der Poel Becomes Elite Cyclocross World Champion for the Seventh Time
In a stunning display of athleticism and determination, Dutch cycling superstar Mathieu van der Poel claimed his seventh Elite Cyclocross World Championship title in Liévin, France, on Sunday, cementing his place as one of the greatest cyclocross riders in history. His victory in this highly competitive event not only reinforced his dominance in the sport but also left his competitors and fans in awe of his exceptional skill and unyielding willpower.
Van der Poel’s victory in the 2025 Cyclocross World Championships was far from a mere formality, as the race in Liévin, which took place on a challenging course renowned for its technical demands, showcased an intensely competitive field. Yet, despite the fierce competition from other world-class riders, the Dutchman’s race was one of composure, precision, and unrelenting speed that set him apart.
An Unmatched Record: Seven Titles and Counting
The win in Liévin marks a career milestone for Van der Poel, who has already proven himself a force to be reckoned with in the sport. His seventh World Championship title adds another feather to his cap, reinforcing the notion that Van der Poel is not just a dominant figure in cyclocross, but one of the sport’s legends. His journey to this latest win began in 2015 when he first claimed the Elite World Championship in Tabor, Czech Republic. Since then, he has been an unstoppable force in the sport, taking home titles in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 before his triumph this year.
This success is remarkable not only for the number of titles he’s won but also for the consistency with which he has maintained his position at the top of the sport over nearly a decade. His ability to adapt to changing conditions, different courses, and a field of rising challengers is a testament to his technical skill, endurance, and psychological fortitude.
The Race: A Masterclass in Cyclocross
Liévin’s course is famous for its demanding terrain, which includes a combination of steep climbs, slippery mud sections, and technical corners that test a rider’s handling and strategic thinking. The French venue is considered one of the most challenging tracks on the cyclocross calendar, with conditions that can change rapidly, creating a true test of a rider’s abilities.
From the gun, Van der Poel was in the thick of the action. The opening lap saw a few familiar faces, including his Belgian rivals Wout van Aert and Tom Pidcock, challenging him for the front position. However, Van der Poel quickly demonstrated why he is considered the best in the world. He was relentless in his pace, forcing the pace early in the race and establishing a small gap with the front group. His mastery of the technical sections and his ability to navigate the course’s demanding features with ease gave him a decisive advantage.
What stood out in this World Championship race was Van der Poel’s ability to recover and adjust when necessary. Though he was under pressure from a pack of elite riders throughout the race, he remained calm, measured, and precise. At one point, Van Aert, his longtime rival, managed to close the gap, but Van der Poel showed why he is the reigning champion by responding with a series of perfectly executed surges that left his competitors scrambling to stay in contact.
By the halfway point, Van der Poel had established a commanding lead, one that he would only extend as the race wore on. His aggressive yet controlled racing style saw him navigate the course’s technical challenges without any significant errors, leaving him to cross the finish line with a comfortable lead over the rest of the field. It was a display of pure class, as Van der Poel’s dominance was evident in every aspect of the race, from his acceleration out of corners to his precise and smooth bike handling on the tricky sections.
Rivals Push but Van der Poel is Unstoppable
While Van der Poel’s victory was secure by the final laps, the battle for the other podium spots was intense. Wout van Aert, who has been Van der Poel’s primary rival for several years, fought valiantly but ultimately finished in second place. Despite his best efforts, van Aert could not match the Dutchman’s pace, especially during the latter stages of the race when the conditions started to take their toll.
Behind van Aert, the British rider Tom Pidcock finished in third, marking another strong performance from the talented young rider. Pidcock, who is still relatively new to the top level of cyclocross, showed that he is a rider to watch in the future, but on the day, Van der Poel was simply in a league of his own.
After crossing the line, Van der Poel shared an emotional moment with his team, acknowledging the incredible effort required to secure his seventh title. In his post-race interview, he reflected on his journey, expressing his gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career and acknowledging the strong competition he faces each season.
The Road Ahead
With his seventh World Championship title now in the bag, Van der Poel’s future in the sport appears as bright as ever. Though he has already accomplished so much, his hunger for more success seems unrelenting. As the season moves forward, he will undoubtedly continue to be a force in both cyclocross and the road racing season, where he is equally dominant.
However, with challengers like van Aert, Pidcock, and others continuing to improve, the next few seasons in cyclocross will surely be filled with exciting battles for supremacy. Van der Poel, however, has proven time and again that when it matters most, he has the resilience, skill, and determination to win at the highest level.
For now, though, the focus remains on his historic seventh title, a feat that will further solidify his legacy in the annals of cycling history. As the curtain falls on this year’s World Championships, Van der Poel can bask in the glory of his victory, knowing that his place among the
sport’s all-time greats is secure.
