In a move that's sure to spark debate among cycling enthusiasts, Mathieu van der Poel has decided to trade the muddy trenches of cyclo-cross for the sun-soaked roads of Spain, skipping the Benidorm round of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup. But here's where it gets controversial: the reigning World Champion, who currently leads the series with an impressive 200 points after five victories, believes he needs endurance training more than another race win. Is this a strategic masterstroke or a risky gamble? Let's dive in.
Van der Poel, a dominant force in the sport, recently secured his lead in the World Cup series with a flawless performance in Zonhoven. Yet, instead of capitalizing on his momentum, he’s chosen to join his Alpecin-Premier Tech teammates for a warm-weather training camp in Spain. This decision raises questions: Is he prioritizing long-term road racing goals over immediate cyclo-cross success? Or is he simply playing the long game, knowing his lead in the series might be secure enough to allow this detour?
And this is the part most people miss: endurance training in warmer climates can significantly boost a rider’s stamina and recovery, which could pay dividends in the latter stages of the season. For van der Poel, who excels in both cyclo-cross and road racing, this shift might be a calculated move to maintain his versatility and edge across disciplines. But it also opens the door for competitors to close the gap in the World Cup standings.
Kirsten Frattini, Editor of Cyclingnews since December 2025, brings her expertise in Kinesiology and Health Science to the table, having covered everything from grassroots cycling to the WorldTour, Spring Classics, and the Olympic Games. Her insights into van der Poel’s decision could shed light on the strategic thinking behind such a bold move. Could this be a blueprint for future multi-discipline athletes, or is it a one-off strategy tailored to van der Poel’s unique strengths?
What do you think? Is van der Poel making the right call, or is he risking his World Cup lead for uncertain gains? Let us know in the comments—this is one decision that’s bound to divide opinions!
