Van der Poel Cyclocross Dominance: Can He Be Beaten?

Van der Poel and Brand Reign Supreme as Cyclocross Season Heats Up

Lucinda Brand and Mathieu van der Poel continue their dominant streaks in the 2025-26 cyclocross season,leaving competitors in their wake as they prepare for crucial upcoming clashes.

Published January 1, 2026 11:03AM

The cyclocross world is witnessing a period of unparalleled dominance from two of its brightest stars. Seven wins from seven starts for Mathieu van der Poel, and an remarkable 17 victories in 19 races for Lucinda Brand, define a 2025-26 season that is quickly becoming a testament too their exceptional talent and preparation.

Van der Poel Extends Winning Streak into the New Year

The X20 Trofee Baal-GP Sven Nys on Thursday provided yet another showcase of Van der Poel’s prowess, opening 2026 much like 2025 concluded – with the Dutch champion on the top step of the podium. Despite challenging, cold conditions, Van der Poel delivered a “textbook but muddy win,” according to observers.

The seven-time world champion even experienced a rare moment of adversity, briefly losing his balance and colliding with the fencing after hitting a deep rut. However, this minor setback proved inconsequential. “I actually thought it was going to be colder today, but that wasn’t too bad,” Van der Poel told journalists after the race. He quickly regained control and powered ahead in the fourth lap, even treating the crowd to a celebratory wheelie as he approached the finish line.

Emil Verstrynge secured second place, with Thibau finishing third. The race also highlighted Van der Poel’s unique approach, arriving in his street-legal Lamborghini and, unusually for him, racing with gloves due to the frigid temperatures.

Did you know? – Mathieu van der Poel is known for his flamboyant style, both on and off the bike. His arrival in a Lamborghini is a recurring theme at cyclocross events,adding to his star power.

Looking ahead,Van der Poel faces two highly anticipated matchups against his long-time rival,Wout van Aert,on January 2nd in Mol and January 4th in Zohoven.

brand Secures X20 Trofee Title in Dominating Fashion

Lucinda Brand’s performance has been nothing short of stunning. With Thursday’s victory – her 13th consecutive win – she clinched the overall title of the X20 Badkamers Trofee with two races still remaining.

Brand’s path to victory wasn’t without its challenges. She started slowly, allowing mountain bike Olympic gold medalist Jolanda Neff to take an early led before ultimately overtaking her. “It’s always hard here,” Brand explained.”Puck Pieterse came up dangerously at the end, but then I had already lowered my pace a bit.I could save some strength that way.”

Puck Pieterse finished second,while Zoe Backstedt achieved her first podium finish of the 2025-26 season. Brand is now setting her sights on securing the World Cup title later this month, but her ultimate goal remains the World Championships in Hulst on February 1st.

Pro tip – Cyclocross courses often feature technical sections requiring dismounting. Practicing bike handling skills and fast remounts is crucial for success.

Despite her current dominance, Brand acknowledges the pressure that comes with being the favorite. While she secured a world title in 2021, she has consistently reached the podium at the World Championships as, and now carries the weight of expectation. A recent loss at the European Championships to a

Reader question – Do you think Van der Poel and Brand’s dominance is good for the sport, or does it need more competitive parity to maintain interest?