Mathieu van der Poel has confirmed his cyclocross schedule for the 2024-2025 season, beginning with the World Cup round in Zonhoven on 22nd December and culminating at the World Championships in Liévin, France, on 2nd February. The Dutch rider, who is targeting a record-equalling seventh world title, detailed a programme comprising 11 races.
Speaking through an Alpecin-Deceuninck press release, Van der Poel explained the reasoning behind his calendar. “After careful consideration and discussions with the team management and performance staff, I decided on a solid schedule of races. A more compact programme of, say, two World Cup races combined with the World Championships was another option, but I think it makes more sense to do a more extensive package of races.”
Van der Poel’s choices reflect his personal preferences, with several sand-heavy circuits, including Zonhoven, Mol, and Koksijde, selected. “I’m fortunate to have the freedom to choose the races I enjoy most,” he said, adding, “It is no coincidence that with Zonhoven, Mol and Koksijde there are a few typical sand races on the menu.”
The six-time world champion is focused on defending his title in Liévin next February, describing the event as his overriding target. “The seventh world title, of course,” he said, when asked about his main ambition. “It is the only thing I still have to achieve in cyclocross: this unique record of Erik De Vlaeminck. This aspiration has been a driving force in shaping my commitment to this winter’s cyclocross season.”
Despite his emphasis on the World Championships, Van der Poel noted the importance of performing consistently in the lead-up races. “The World Championship in Liévin is the only real goal, although I hope to fight for victory in all the other races I take part in. But we’ll see how I do in the first weeks. As I said, the peak will be a bit later this year.”
Van der Poel revealed that his preparation includes a reduced January schedule, featuring five races compared to six in 2024, and a deliberate break from racing on consecutive weekends. “We are taking a slightly different approach this winter,” he said. “Last year, I started the season in top form, but the World Championships were not my very best race of the season in terms of feeling. Now we are really trying to peak at the Worlds by focusing on specific preparations during a training camp. For optimal efficiency, it’s better not to interrupt it.”
The Dutchman’s first head-to-head battle with rival Wout van Aert is scheduled for 23rd December at the Superprestige event in Mol, just one day after Zonhoven. Both riders have shortened their cyclocross campaigns this year, with Van Aert opting for just six races and skipping the World Championships entirely.
Van der Poel’s schedule includes key World Cup stops in Gavere, Besançon, and Hoogerheide, alongside traditional races such as Loenhout and Baal. His absence from the Benidorm World Cup in Spain stands out, particularly after his close duel with Van Aert on that course last January.
Van der Poel summed up his approach to the season with a measured outlook. “Once that decision was made, I quickly mapped out the races I wanted to include. This winter’s plan is about quality, not quantity.”
Mathieu van der Poel’s 2024-2025 cyclocross schedule:
- 22nd December: Zonhoven World Cup
- 23rd December: Mol Superprestige
- 26th December: Gavere World Cup
- 27th December: Loenhout Exact Cross
- 29th December: Besançon World Cup
- 1st January: Baal X2O Trofee
- 3rd January: Koksijde X2O Trofee
- 5th January: Dendermonde World Cup
- 25th January: Maasmechelen World Cup
- 26th January: Hoogerheide World Cup
- 2nd February: Liévin World Championships
