Disappointed Van der Poel skips another cyclo-cross race, and next race could be "a close call"

Mathieu van der Poel will also skip the cyclo-cross in Koksijde on January 3 after Baal on January 1 . Alpecin-Deceuninck reports in a short press release that the cyclo-cross world champion is still experiencing too much discomfort from his rib to be in action as early as Friday.

Van der Poel suffered his injury in the Loenhout cyclo-cross on December 27. He hit a pole after having a flat tire, according to his sports director, Christoph Roodhooft. There was no sign of any injury two days later in Besançon, France, but the ribs began to play up toward New Year's Eve.

It forced Van der Poel and Alpecin-Deceuninck to skip the GP Sven Nys in Baal on New Year's Day. And even two days later, in Koksijde, Van der Poel is not yet fit enough to go for his sixth win in six cyclo-cross races. "Mathieu van der Poel's rib problems persist, causing significant discomfort, particularly on heavier terrain. As a result, he will not participate in Koksijde tomorrow. Regarding his participation in Dendermonde (Sunday), Mathieu and the team will decide on Saturday," the team reported.

Read more below the photo.

Van der Poel still in action in Besançon

Van der Poel feels bad about rib injury

In a brief reaction, Van der Poel announced his disappointment with the setback. His cyclo-cross winter so far went flawlessly, with wins in Zonhoven, Mol, Gavere, Loenhout, and Besançon. He was the best in the field until he encountered a pole... "This is a disappointment because Koksijde is one of my favorite races," the rainbow jersey wearer said.

In Koksijde, the Dutch rider remembers Van der Poel winning his first cyclocross world title in 2012. "But it's just too soon. I hope to be ready for Dendermonde, although I fear it will be a close call." After Dendermonde, Van der Poel will take a break anyway before returning to the cyclo-cross bike after two weeks of training in Maasmechelen on January 25. A day later, he will also compete in Hoogerheide. It's all in service of the World Cup in Liévin, France, on February 2. There, he can go for his seventh world title.

Read also

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A tough day in Baal for Nys, who, without Van der Poel, could have succeeded his father: no GP Thibau Nys yet

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