The end of an era could be within sight, as Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) signalled on Sunday that the 2025–2026 cyclocross season could be his last.
Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad before securing his 14th consecutive World Cup victory at the Koksijde World Cup on December 21, Van der Poel admitted that retirement from the discipline is "certainly an option" following the 2026 World Championships in Hulst. "I've always said I want to retire in my own country, with the record," he said. "There is not much left for me to win in cyclocross."
Van der Poel went on to win the 4th round of the X2O Badkamers Trofee in Hofstade ahead of Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike), less than 24 hours later on Monday.
The Dutch rider currently holds seven elite rainbow jerseys, equalling Erik De Vlaeminck's all-time record. By targeting Hulst, on home-soil, he could cement his status as the discipline's undisputed greatest while departing at absolute peak dominance.
As we recently reported on his Namur plans, Van der Poel has structured a compact 13-race block entirely around the Hulst objective.
The announcement arrives during a period of mixed fortunes for the stars of cyclocross. Fem van Empel (Visma-Lease a Bike), the reigning women's world champion, has taken an indefinite break from competition, with her team citing the unsustainable demands of year-round multi-discipline racing.
The so-called Big Three era – Van der Poel, Van Aert and Tom Pidcock – elevated cyclocross from regional niche to global spectacle, bringing road racing audiences and commercial heft to the winter calendar. Van der Poel's departure from the sport could sacrifice that momentum. Race organisers have acknowledged that his presence is the primary driver of record attendances and broadcasting value.
For Van der Poel, at 30, with Grand Tour ambitions and Monument victories still ahead on the road, the physical and mental toll of maintaining winter dominance offers diminishing returns. The 2026 Worlds in Hulst could provide a perfect ending – a home crowd, a record-breaking eighth title, and an exit while still untouchable.
Cover image: CorVos/SWpix.com
