Mathieu van der Poel, crowned world champion in road racing, cyclo-cross and gravel, has outlined his main goal for this year.
"If it were up to me, I would choose the World Mountain Bike Cross title. I haven't been successful in that field and that thought bothers me," admitted the 29-year-old Dutchman. "The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will probably be my last and it would be nice to compete in mountain bike cross there."
Van der Poel has competed in two World Mountain Bike Cross Championships (2018 and 2023) and has a bronze medal as his ceiling. The star rider of the Alpecin-Deceuninck team, who has competed in the Tour de France for the past four years, is not particularly fond of the biggest race in cycling.
"Besides stage wins and the yellow jersey, I don't have much else to aim for in the Tour. I'd rather do five races where I have a chance of winning than do 20 stages where I don't have a chance half the time," van der Poel explained, adding that sprinter teammate Jasper Philipsen helps keep him motivated. "If Jasper is in the team, my goal is to help him win as many stages as possible. I like that and it takes the pressure off."
Van der Poel, who is recovering from injury, confirmed that he will be aiming for his seventh cyclo-cross world title in February, but has not yet agreed to reveal his exact road race schedule. But the spring classics are definitely on his menu.
