Van der Poel and the art of winning: Even with a flat tire, his rivals never had a chance

Mathieu van der Poel pulled off another unprecedented one-man-show yesterday, becoming cyclo-cross world champion for the seventh time. But was it as easy for the Dutch rider as it looked for us cycling fans? Certainly not, because Van der Poel had a flat tire in the third lap, which could have made the race exciting. But Van der Poel kept going and was victorious in the end.

In the lead from the very first lap? It seems to be the trademark of the world champion, but according to father Adrie van der Poel, that is certainly not his son's goal. "Apparently, it was the right tactic. At one point, he created a gap; from then on, it was a matter of control. Staying focused because you couldn't afford to make too many mistakes on this course," father Adrie told Het Laatste Nieuws.

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Mathieu van der Poel took the lead from the first lap

Flat tire doesn't bother Van der Poel

The fact that the world champion always takes the lead reasonably quickly is because he has an advantage over his rivals if something goes wrong. And Sunday, this proved to be the right choice. Van der Poel had a flat tire on the third lap and still had a long way to go to the pit area. According to sports director Christoph Roodhooft, he lost quite a bit of time as a result. "Mathieu lost fifteen to twenty seconds. And that affected the next half lap."

So caution was called for after the bike switch, and the Dutch rider was extra precautious later on. Except it wasn't visible because the rivals weren't getting any closer. He showed the competition his heels for an hour, something Roodhooft clearly enjoyed. "For us, of course, this differs from the neutral viewer, who longs for an exciting battle. All sympathy for that. But everyone could enjoy Mathieu's supremacy, technique, and control."

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Mathieu van der Poel past the crazy crowd.

Van der Poel races with dominance to victory in Liévin and sets his sights on upcoming World Championships

According to dad Adrie, the Dutch rider, who now has seven world titles and has won 289 cyclo-cross races - an unprecedented high number - should not be taken for granted. "We really shouldn't take this for granted. You know us: down-to-earth, not too exuberant people. But of course, it makes 'Matje,' me, and all of us super proud. Not only for this - I think it is incredible how he always manages to peak on the day of the World Championships - but for everything he has achieved. I have deep admiration for that."

Now that he has seven world titles, the magic ten is looming ever closer. And next year, Hulst awaits a course that suits him exceptionally well. "There will be more opportunities. But there are also those for the competition. The seventh title was not a certainty, and neither will the eighth. Not taking it for granted is one of the main ingredients to make it possible," Dutch coach Roodhooft concluded his story.

Read also

Coach De Knegt forced to mediate between Van Empel and Brand after Cyclo-cross World Championship: Groenendaal and Nys give their opinion

Van Aert "tips his hat" to Van der Poel after disastrous start ruins his chances: "Worst-case scenario happened"

God-like Van der Poel crushes the competition at World Championships with embarrassingly hard start, Van Aert overcomes nightmare opening for silver

Nys hopeful that World Championships won’t be a one-lap show: "Van Aert’s power is close to Van der Poel’s level"

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