Van der Poel Returns as Cyclocross Faces a Post-“Big 3” Future
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Cyclocross stands at a pivotal moment, as the sport enjoys unprecedented international popularity but also looks ahead to a future beyond its current dominant stars. Mathieu van der Poel’s return to competition this weekend marks not only the start of his 2025-26 season but also a broader conversation about the discipline’s longevity and evolution.
The recent boom in cyclocross is largely attributed to the captivating rivalry and success of Van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Tom Pidcock – three riders who have excelled in both the muddy barriers of winter cyclocross and the demanding road races of spring and summer. Though, with questions arising about how the sport will fare once these titans retire, a new generation of riders is beginning to emerge.
All eyes are now on Van der Poel as he prepares for his season debut at the World Cup stop in Namur on Sunday. “It’s true that I’ve missed racing,” van der Poel stated ahead of the Citadelcross. “it’s been a long time sence I last raced there, and I’ve always liked the course. I feel ready for it.”
Following a relaxed off-season, the Dutch rider is eager to return to the challenging terrain, with a focused schedule culminating in the CX World Championships in early February. His presence alone elevates the intensity of any race, with some competitors already conceding defeat before even lining up against him.
Van der Poel on Track for History
Van der Poel, fresh off winning last year’s world title, appears poised to continue his dominance.(Photo: Kristof Ramon / Red Bull)
the landscape of cyclocross is shifting,with Pidcock opting to skip the CX season for the second consecutive year and Van Aert committing to a limited programme. This leaves Van der Poel largely unchallenged, at least initially. He has already proven his versatility, achieving success in professional road racing – including a world title – and consistently excelling in cyclocross.
Van Aert’s participation will be limited this season, focusing on road readiness. “I’m looking forward to a few cross races, but I’m not going to do a full program,” Van Aert explained. “I want to be in top shape for the spring classics,” van der Poel noted. “That means we cross paths now and then. How we will compare to each other this winter will become clear soon enough. Hopefully, we can put on a good show for the fans.”
Olympic Ambitions and Structural Changes
Beyond individual rivalries, cyclocross is looking toward potential long-term growth, including the possibility of Olympic inclusion by 2030. A senior official stated that the UCI is actively advocating for cyclocross to be included in the Winter Games, possibly by broadening the definition of “winter sports” to encompass those not solely reliant on snow or ice. A final decision could come before the World Championships in Hulst. Olympic recognition, it is believed, would significantly elevate the sport’s profile and attract further investment.
Structural reforms are also underway to encourage greater participation from WorldTour teams. Starting in 2027, teams will be able to earn points in cyclocross and other disciplines, incentivizing them to support multi-discipline athletes. “For Visma-Lease a Bike, Wout van aert’s points in cyclocross might not matter, but for smaller teams they do,” explained UCI’s cyclocross director Peter Van den Abeele to het Nieuwsblad.”Jayco-AlUla has the world mountain bike champion, EF Education has launched a CX team. These are all small but significant steps.”
The success of Van der Poel and Van Aert, who rose through the ranks as junior prodigies in Belgian mud, demonstrates cyclocross’s potential as a breeding ground for future road racing stars. The ultimate aspiration,however,remains the hope that Tadej Pogačar will one day test his skills in the discipline.
The golden era of cyclocross, marked by the dominance of Van der Poel, Van Aert, and Pidcock, is still ongoing – with at least five clashes between Van Aert and Van der Poel expected this season – but the clock is ticking, and the sport is acutely aware of the need to prepare for the future.
