Mathieu van der Poel has cleared his latest physical test ahead of the upcoming World Championships in Val di Sole, finishing second in the cross-country round in Les Gets behind French rider Adrien Boichis.
The Dutch rider raced at the sharp end of the cross-country field throughout the weekend following a tenth-place finish in Friday’s short-track event. While the result underscores his competitive form during his mountain bike comeback, cycling analyst Thijs Zonneveld cautions that Van der Poel faces distinct hurdles if he hopes to claim the world title in Italy, pointing to technical progression in the discipline and a challenging starting position.
Assessing Van der Poel’s Form in Les Gets
Van der Poel demonstrated that his engine remains world-class by battling for the win until the final meters in Les Gets. Boichis proved just decisive enough in the technical descents to secure the victory, leaving the Dutchman to cross the line mere seconds behind the winner. Zonneveld noted in his podcast In de Waaier that both riders clearly stood out as the strongest in the field, rating Boichis among the very best mountain bikers of the year.
Even so, Zonneveld classifies Van der Poel outside the primary tier of top favorites for the upcoming World Championships. Although a world title is possible, observers note that the overall level of mountain biking has risen significantly over recent seasons while Van der Poel has concentrated more on the road.
Tactical Hurdles: Technical Climbs and Start Positions
Beyond raw power, modern courses present unique hurdles for heavier athletes like Van der Poel. Contemporary mountain bike tracks feature grueling, technical climbs where lighter riders—such as Tom Pidcock—possess a clear advantage.
Furthermore, Van der Poel will face a logistical bottleneck at the start gate in Val di Sole. Unlike his outing in Les Gets, where he launched from the second row, the Dutch rider must line up on the fifth row. Zonneveld emphasized that carving through an estimated 35 riders on a demanding course will drain vital energy long before the race hits its decisive phase, contrasting the effort starkly with the rapid progression he typically enjoys in cyclo-cross.
Next Confirmed Checkpoint
The cross-country event at the World Championships takes place next week in Val di Sole, Italy, where Van der Poel will seek to conquer the fifth-row starting deficit against a roster of international specialists.
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