{"id":2167695,"date":"2026-09-27T22:55:54","date_gmt":"2026-09-27T19:55:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2167695"},"modified":"2026-09-27T22:55:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-27T19:55:54","slug":"racing-without-earpieces-always-makes-for-the-best-races-mathieu-van-der-poel-nabs-bronze-in-chaotic-worlds-road-race-in-montreal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2167695","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Racing without earpieces always makes for the best races&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel nabs bronze in chaotic Worlds road race in Montreal"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZQ2h9dWLApwaQMde3mYsN-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tZQ2h9dWLApwaQMde3mYsN-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: American wins men road title after stunning 32km solo ride at Road World Championships\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gdMMsQ2P9AmEQ3CGdbRd63-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gdMMsQ2P9AmEQ3CGdbRd63-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I don&#8217;t know what&#8217;s happened. I&#8217;m a bit lost for words&#8217; &#8211; Ben Wiggins mystified by missing U23 time trial podium at Road World Championships\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    UCI Road World Championships: Brandon McNulty shocks the favourites to win solo and claim first elite men&#8217;s road race world title for USA since 1993 in all-time epic edition\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMathieu van der Poel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Racing without earpieces always makes for the best races&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel nabs bronze in chaotic Worlds road race in Montreal<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-09-27T22:55:54Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutch rider makes the most of a course he said was not suited to him before the race<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-df1da556-bac2-11f1-bca0-abe2eaea6544\">Mathieu van der Poel might have said before that the 2026 UCI Road World Championships course in Montreal was not well-suited to him, but the Dutchman made the most of a positively bonkers elite men&#8217;s road race on Sunday, taking the bronze medal behind solo winner Brandon McNulty (USA) and just missing out on silver to Michael Matthews (Australia).<\/p>\n<p>It seemed like a suicide move when Van der Poel went up the road with 11 other riders, including Belgium&#8217;s Wout van Aert, with 87km to go. It seemed even more risky when he continued attacking, going clear with Van Aert, Quinn Simmons (USA), Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Slovenia), Oscar Onley (Great Britain) and Athon Charmig (Denmark), and when he attacked that group again with 52km to go.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-df1da556-bac2-11f1-bca0-abe2eaea6544-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was, as expected, a very hard race, especially with the pace the French team was putting immediately from when we entered the local lap, and then it never stopped,&#8221; Van der Poel said, explaining that he chose to attack from so far out because the Voie Camillien-Houde each lap was so hard.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Unlike Glasgow, when Van der Poel claimed his only rainbow jersey on the road in 2023 on a course with steep but short climbs, the 13.3km circuit in Montreal featured the Voie Camillien-Houde ascent, which is 1.8km long and averages 7.5%. The men tackled it on each of the 12 laps, and the route was expected to favour pure climbers like Isaac del Toro (Mexico) or Paul Seixas (France).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the end, it was the climbers who suffered under the constant attacks rather than taking the race on from the front, in part because of Van der Poel and his fellow attackers.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u2ZPiKD9DuXqY5Jtu5yahD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u2ZPiKD9DuXqY5Jtu5yahD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I just wasn&#8217;t good enough&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Mathieu van der Poel rues another year where promising mountain bike form fades for World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyeAmWqN75poyooXQVrAua-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyeAmWqN75poyooXQVrAua-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I had incredible legs&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel puts final touches on Road World Championships preparation with staggering Luxembourg solo ride<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Will we see Mathieu van der Poel again in 2026? Worlds bronze medallist declares his road season is over, with doubts over cyclo-cross campaign<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I just wanted to make sure I was already in front before the real climbers attacked, because if you see the riders that come across, it&#8217;s almost all climbers,&#8221; Van der Poel said. &#8220;I don&#8217;t know if I could manage to go with them on the climb. You never know if they stop cooperating a little bit behind. It&#8217;s also possible if we got one more minute in front, and then the race is maybe also over.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it was a bit what I wanted to do today, just go in the offensive mode.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9GufzogKFZdvetbLaSvnhh\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9GufzogKFZdvetbLaSvnhh slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was just the style of racing that the Dutchman enjoys most, and he highlighted that it was largely because at Worlds riders compete without radio communication to the team cars.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This is the best thing there is, racing without earpieces. That always makes for the best races,&#8221; Van der Poel said to NOS.nl. &#8220;I&#8217;m quite a fan of it. Then you really have to race on instinct, and that&#8217;s what I prefer to do.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When the move was finally brought back with 35km to go, and soon after McNulty launched his solo move, Van der Poel never gave up believing in his second rainbow jersey.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I thought my career was done twice in the last two years&#8217; \u2013 Gutsy ride sees Michael Matthews bounce back to make &#8216;dream come true&#8217; with World Championships silver medal<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q8kUhjZX9ZVF2efLMD6XpR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q8kUhjZX9ZVF2efLMD6XpR-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Mathieu van der Poel skips Canadian one-day races, returns to Tour de Luxembourg to build for UCI Road World Championships in Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">UCI Road World Championships: Brandon McNulty shocks the favourites to win solo and claim first elite men&#8217;s road race world title for USA since 1993 in all-time epic edition<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was still quite a long way, but I saw immediately that McNulty&#8217;s attack was a good attempt,&#8221; Van der Poel said. &#8220;He has ridden well on this course before and it was a name I had in the back of my mind, but I don&#8217;t think it was up to me to react.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel bided his time as others tried to nail back the American, knowing he still had a chance to win from the group if McNulty was caught.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it was not up to me to close gaps anymore. I knew I had to gamble a little bit to try and become World Champion. So yeah, I just made my decision there and stuck with it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course, it&#8217;s a World Championship, so I really wanted to go for the medal. I managed to recover also a little bit when the group caught me. The first time on the climb I was struggling, but then afterwards I could recover a little bit and then I was a bit less on the limit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m happy with the medal, and I think considering it was such a hard race, I did a really good performance to be on the podium, actually. I can be happy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel let on that he is expecting his first child with partner Roxanne Bertels, and so has not yet made any plans to defend his world title in cyclocross in January.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I haven&#8217;t thought about that yet. Becoming a father for the first time is very special. We&#8217;ll see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-9GufzogKFZdvetbLaSvnhh\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-9GufzogKFZdvetbLaSvnhh slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Laura Weislo<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Managing Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Laura Weislo is a <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u2ZPiKD9DuXqY5Jtu5yahD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u2ZPiKD9DuXqY5Jtu5yahD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u2ZPiKD9DuXqY5Jtu5yahD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u2ZPiKD9DuXqY5Jtu5yahD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u2ZPiKD9DuXqY5Jtu5yahD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just wasn&#8217;t good enough&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Mathieu van der Poel rues another year where promising mountain bike form fades for World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyeAmWqN75poyooXQVrAua-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyeAmWqN75poyooXQVrAua-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyeAmWqN75poyooXQVrAua-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyeAmWqN75poyooXQVrAua-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyeAmWqN75poyooXQVrAua-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I had incredible legs&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel puts final touches on Road World Championships preparation with staggering Luxembourg solo ride<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will we see Mathieu van der Poel again in 2026? Worlds bronze medallist declares his road season is over, with doubts over cyclo-cross campaign<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I thought my career was done twice in the last two years&#8217; \u2013 Gutsy ride sees Michael Matthews bounce back to make &#8216;dream come true&#8217; with World Championships silver medal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q8kUhjZX9ZVF2efLMD6XpR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q8kUhjZX9ZVF2efLMD6XpR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q8kUhjZX9ZVF2efLMD6XpR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q8kUhjZX9ZVF2efLMD6XpR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q8kUhjZX9ZVF2efLMD6XpR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mathieu van der Poel skips Canadian one-day races, returns to Tour de Luxembourg to build for UCI Road World Championships in Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI Road World Championships: Brandon McNulty shocks the favourites to win solo and claim first elite men&#8217;s road race world title for USA since 1993 in all-time epic edition<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m satisfied with my effort, but I&#8217;m not happy at all&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro does not hide disappointment at missing out on gold at World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will we see Mathieu van der Poel again in 2026? Worlds bronze medallist declares his road season is over, with doubts over cyclo-cross campaign<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I feel sorry for the result&#8217; &#8211; Giulio Ciccone says Italy deserved a medal at Montreal Worlds, but he had nothing left to give<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I hope I made him proud&#8217; &#8211; New World Champion Brandon McNulty acknowledges absence of two-time winner Tadej Poga\u010dar and keeps rainbows within UAE team<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CdbbFCVRTHz2XRqKkQKnSM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CdbbFCVRTHz2XRqKkQKnSM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CdbbFCVRTHz2XRqKkQKnSM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CdbbFCVRTHz2XRqKkQKnSM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CdbbFCVRTHz2XRqKkQKnSM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I left it all out on the road&#8217; &#8211; No medal for Ben Healy but sheer racing tenacity a highlight at Montreal Worlds<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AYbFZn6KArXLFKCnU5cfR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AYbFZn6KArXLFKCnU5cfR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AYbFZn6KArXLFKCnU5cfR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AYbFZn6KArXLFKCnU5cfR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AYbFZn6KArXLFKCnU5cfR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was a childish mistake&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas waylaid by cramps in brutal World Championships road race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m satisfied with my effort, but I&#8217;m not happy at all&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro does not hide disappointment at missing out on gold at World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NpdbJJc7G3mMX2oXgsk2i8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NpdbJJc7G3mMX2oXgsk2i8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NpdbJJc7G3mMX2oXgsk2i8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NpdbJJc7G3mMX2oXgsk2i8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NpdbJJc7G3mMX2oXgsk2i8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tom Pidcock ditches trade team wheels in favour of upgrade at Road World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will we see Mathieu van der Poel again in 2026? Worlds bronze medallist declares his road season is over, with doubts over cyclo-cross campaign<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I thought my career was done twice in the last two years&#8217; \u2013 Gutsy ride sees Michael Matthews bounce back to make &#8216;dream come true&#8217; with World Championships silver medal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I feel sorry for the result&#8217; &#8211; Giulio Ciccone says Italy deserved a medal at Montreal Worlds, but he had nothing left to give<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I hope I made him proud&#8217; &#8211; New World Champion Brandon McNulty acknowledges absence of two-time winner Tadej Poga\u010dar and keeps rainbows within UAE team<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I&#8217;m satisfied with my effort, but I&#8217;m not happy at all&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro does not hide disappointment at missing out on gold at World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Tom Pidcock ditches trade team wheels in favour of upgrade at Road World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Early access: Watch our video review of the Factor Elara before it goes live on YouTube<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Will we see Mathieu van der Poel again in 2026? Worlds bronze medallist declares his road season is over, with doubts over cyclo-cross campaign<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Lennart Jasch charges to top of Gunung Jerai to claim stage 2 of Le Tour de Langkawi and leap into the overall lead<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMathieu van der Poel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Racing without earpieces always makes for the best races&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel nabs bronze in chaotic Worlds road race in Montreal<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-09-27T22:55:54Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutch rider makes the most of a course he said was not suited to him before the race<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-df1da556-bac2-11f1-bca0-abe2eaea6544\">Mathieu van der Poel might have said before that the 2026 UCI Road World Championships course in Montreal was not well-suited to him, but the Dutchman made the most of a positively bonkers elite men&#8217;s road race on Sunday, taking the bronze medal behind solo winner Brandon McNulty (USA) and just missing out on silver to Michael Matthews (Australia).<\/p>\n<p>It seemed like a suicide move when Van der Poel went up the road with 11 other riders, including Belgium&#8217;s Wout van Aert, with 87km to go. It seemed even more risky when he continued attacking, going clear with Van Aert, Quinn Simmons (USA), Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Slovenia), Oscar Onley (Great Britain) and Athon Charmig (Denmark), and when he attacked that group again with 52km to go.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-df1da556-bac2-11f1-bca0-abe2eaea6544-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was, as expected, a very hard race, especially with the pace the French team was putting immediately from when we entered the local lap, and then it never stopped,&#8221; Van der Poel said, explaining that he chose to attack from so far out because the Voie Camillien-Houde each lap was so hard.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Unlike Glasgow, when Van der Poel claimed his only rainbow jersey on the road in 2023 on a course with steep but short climbs, the 13.3km circuit in Montreal featured the Voie Camillien-Houde ascent, which is 1.8km long and averages 7.5%. The men tackled it on each of the 12 laps, and the route was expected to favour pure climbers like Isaac del Toro (Mexico) or Paul Seixas (France).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the end, it was the climbers who suffered under the constant attacks rather than taking the race on from the front, in part because of Van der Poel and his fellow attackers.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u2ZPiKD9DuXqY5Jtu5yahD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u2ZPiKD9DuXqY5Jtu5yahD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I just wasn&#8217;t good enough&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Mathieu van der Poel rues another year where promising mountain bike form fades for World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyeAmWqN75poyooXQVrAua-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyeAmWqN75poyooXQVrAua-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I had incredible legs&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel puts final touches on Road World Championships preparation with staggering Luxembourg solo ride<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Will we see Mathieu van der Poel again in 2026? Worlds bronze medallist declares his road season is over, with doubts over cyclo-cross campaign<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I just wanted to make sure I was already in front before the real climbers attacked, because if you see the riders that come across, it&#8217;s almost all climbers,&#8221; Van der Poel said. &#8220;I don&#8217;t know if I could manage to go with them on the climb. You never know if they stop cooperating a little bit behind. It&#8217;s also possible if we got one more minute in front, and then the race is maybe also over.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it was a bit what I wanted to do today, just go in the offensive mode.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9GufzogKFZdvetbLaSvnhh\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9GufzogKFZdvetbLaSvnhh slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was just the style of racing that the Dutchman enjoys most, and he highlighted that it was largely because at Worlds riders compete without radio communication to the team cars.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This is the best thing there is, racing without earpieces. That always makes for the best races,&#8221; Van der Poel said to NOS.nl. &#8220;I&#8217;m quite a fan of it. Then you really have to race on instinct, and that&#8217;s what I prefer to do.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When the move was finally brought back with 35km to go, and soon after McNulty launched his solo move, Van der Poel never gave up believing in his second rainbow jersey.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I thought my career was done twice in the last two years&#8217; \u2013 Gutsy ride sees Michael Matthews bounce back to make &#8216;dream come true&#8217; with World Championships silver medal<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q8kUhjZX9ZVF2efLMD6XpR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q8kUhjZX9ZVF2efLMD6XpR-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Mathieu van der Poel skips Canadian one-day races, returns to Tour de Luxembourg to build for UCI Road World Championships in Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">UCI Road World Championships: Brandon McNulty shocks the favourites to win solo and claim first elite men&#8217;s road race world title for USA since 1993 in all-time epic edition<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was still quite a long way, but I saw immediately that McNulty&#8217;s attack was a good attempt,&#8221; Van der Poel said. &#8220;He has ridden well on this course before and it was a name I had in the back of my mind, but I don&#8217;t think it was up to me to react.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel bided his time as others tried to nail back the American, knowing he still had a chance to win from the group if McNulty was caught.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it was not up to me to close gaps anymore. I knew I had to gamble a little bit to try and become World Champion. So yeah, I just made my decision there and stuck with it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course, it&#8217;s a World Championship, so I really wanted to go for the medal. I managed to recover also a little bit when the group caught me. The first time on the climb I was struggling, but then afterwards I could recover a little bit and then I was a bit less on the limit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m happy with the medal, and I think considering it was such a hard race, I did a really good performance to be on the podium, actually. I can be happy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel let on that he is expecting his first child with partner Roxanne Bertels, and so has not yet made any plans to defend his world title in cyclocross in January.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I haven&#8217;t thought about that yet. Becoming a father for the first time is very special. We&#8217;ll see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-9GufzogKFZdvetbLaSvnhh\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-9GufzogKFZdvetbLaSvnhh slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rbx5aMuCYhP4dUt7us9LAi-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>Laura Weislo<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Managing Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Laura Weislo is a <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u2ZPiKD9DuXqY5Jtu5yahD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u2ZPiKD9DuXqY5Jtu5yahD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u2ZPiKD9DuXqY5Jtu5yahD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u2ZPiKD9DuXqY5Jtu5yahD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u2ZPiKD9DuXqY5Jtu5yahD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I just wasn&#8217;t good enough&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Mathieu van der Poel rues another year where promising mountain bike form fades for World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyeAmWqN75poyooXQVrAua-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyeAmWqN75poyooXQVrAua-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyeAmWqN75poyooXQVrAua-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyeAmWqN75poyooXQVrAua-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyeAmWqN75poyooXQVrAua-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I had incredible legs&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel puts final touches on Road World Championships preparation with staggering Luxembourg solo ride<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will we see Mathieu van der Poel again in 2026? Worlds bronze medallist declares his road season is over, with doubts over cyclo-cross campaign<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I thought my career was done twice in the last two years&#8217; \u2013 Gutsy ride sees Michael Matthews bounce back to make &#8216;dream come true&#8217; with World Championships silver medal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q8kUhjZX9ZVF2efLMD6XpR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q8kUhjZX9ZVF2efLMD6XpR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q8kUhjZX9ZVF2efLMD6XpR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q8kUhjZX9ZVF2efLMD6XpR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q8kUhjZX9ZVF2efLMD6XpR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mathieu van der Poel skips Canadian one-day races, returns to Tour de Luxembourg to build for UCI Road World Championships in Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI Road World Championships: Brandon McNulty shocks the favourites to win solo and claim first elite men&#8217;s road race world title for USA since 1993 in all-time epic edition<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m satisfied with my effort, but I&#8217;m not happy at all&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro does not hide disappointment at missing out on gold at World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will we see Mathieu van der Poel again in 2026? Worlds bronze medallist declares his road season is over, with doubts over cyclo-cross campaign<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I feel sorry for the result&#8217; &#8211; Giulio Ciccone says Italy deserved a medal at Montreal Worlds, but he had nothing left to give<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I hope I made him proud&#8217; &#8211; New World Champion Brandon McNulty acknowledges absence of two-time winner Tadej Poga\u010dar and keeps rainbows within UAE team<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CdbbFCVRTHz2XRqKkQKnSM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CdbbFCVRTHz2XRqKkQKnSM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CdbbFCVRTHz2XRqKkQKnSM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CdbbFCVRTHz2XRqKkQKnSM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CdbbFCVRTHz2XRqKkQKnSM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I left it all out on the road&#8217; &#8211; No medal for Ben Healy but sheer racing tenacity a highlight at Montreal Worlds<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AYbFZn6KArXLFKCnU5cfR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AYbFZn6KArXLFKCnU5cfR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AYbFZn6KArXLFKCnU5cfR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AYbFZn6KArXLFKCnU5cfR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8AYbFZn6KArXLFKCnU5cfR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was a childish mistake&#8217; &#8211; Paul Seixas waylaid by cramps in brutal World Championships road race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m satisfied with my effort, but I&#8217;m not happy at all&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro does not hide disappointment at missing out on gold at World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NpdbJJc7G3mMX2oXgsk2i8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NpdbJJc7G3mMX2oXgsk2i8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NpdbJJc7G3mMX2oXgsk2i8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NpdbJJc7G3mMX2oXgsk2i8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NpdbJJc7G3mMX2oXgsk2i8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tom Pidcock ditches trade team wheels in favour of upgrade at Road World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will we see Mathieu van der Poel again in 2026? Worlds bronze medallist declares his road season is over, with doubts over cyclo-cross campaign<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I thought my career was done twice in the last two years&#8217; \u2013 Gutsy ride sees Michael Matthews bounce back to make &#8216;dream come true&#8217; with World Championships silver medal<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oZF5dyP6zWTzohxrPnuhAV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I feel sorry for the result&#8217; &#8211; Giulio Ciccone says Italy deserved a medal at Montreal Worlds, but he had nothing left to give<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9JgymRDR842NJyT7AqNFKc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I hope I made him proud&#8217; &#8211; New World Champion Brandon McNulty acknowledges absence of two-time winner Tadej Poga\u010dar and keeps rainbows within UAE team<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5cdcS8fVk3NFwUe4PLXEmN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I&#8217;m satisfied with my effort, but I&#8217;m not happy at all&#8217; &#8211; Isaac del Toro does not hide disappointment at missing out on gold at World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Tom Pidcock ditches trade team wheels in favour of upgrade at Road World Championships<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Early access: Watch our video review of the Factor Elara before it goes live on YouTube<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Will we see Mathieu van der Poel again in 2026? Worlds bronze medallist declares his road season is over, with doubts over cyclo-cross campaign<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Lennart Jasch charges to top of Gunung Jerai to claim stage 2 of Le Tour de Langkawi and leap into the overall lead<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMathieu van der Poel\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Racing without earpieces always makes for the best races&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel nabs bronze in chaotic Worlds road race in Montreal<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLaura Weislo <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-09-27T22:55:54Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutch rider makes the most of a course he said was not suited to him before the race<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-df1da556-bac2-11f1-bca0-abe2eaea6544\">Mathieu van der Poel might have said before that the 2026 UCI Road World Championships course in Montreal was not well-suited to him, but the Dutchman made the most of a positively bonkers elite men&#8217;s road race on Sunday, taking the bronze medal behind solo winner Brandon McNulty (USA) and just missing out on silver to Michael Matthews (Australia).<\/p>\n<p>It seemed like a suicide move when Van der Poel went up the road with 11 other riders, including Belgium&#8217;s Wout van Aert, with 87km to go. It seemed even more risky when he continued attacking, going clear with Van Aert, Quinn Simmons (USA), Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d (Slovenia), Oscar Onley (Great Britain) and Athon Charmig (Denmark), and when he attacked that group again with 52km to go.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-df1da556-bac2-11f1-bca0-abe2eaea6544-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was, as expected, a very hard race, especially with the pace the French team was putting immediately from when we entered the local lap, and then it never stopped,&#8221; Van der Poel said, explaining that he chose to attack from so far out because the Voie Camillien-Houde each lap was so hard.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Unlike Glasgow, when Van der Poel claimed his only rainbow jersey on the road in 2023 on a course with steep but short climbs, the 13.3km circuit in Montreal featured the Voie Camillien-Houde ascent, which is 1.8km long and averages 7.5%. The men tackled it on each of the 12 laps, and the route was expected to favour pure climbers like Isaac del Toro (Mexico) or Paul Seixas (France).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In the end, it was the climbers who suffered under the constant attacks rather than taking the race on from the front, in part because of Van der Poel and his fellow attackers.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u2ZPiKD9DuXqY5Jtu5yahD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/u2ZPiKD9DuXqY5Jtu5yahD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I just wasn&#8217;t good enough&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Mathieu van der Poel rues another year where promising mountain bike form fades for World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyeAmWqN75poyooXQVrAua-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JyeAmWqN75poyooXQVrAua-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I had incredible legs&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel puts final touches on Road World Championships preparation with staggering Luxembourg solo ride<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Will we see Mathieu van der Poel again in 2026? Worlds bronze medallist declares his road season is over, with doubts over cyclo-cross campaign<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I just wanted to make sure I was already in front before the real climbers attacked, because if you see the riders that come across, it&#8217;s almost all climbers,&#8221; Van der Poel said. &#8220;I don&#8217;t know if I could manage to go with them on the climb. You never know if they stop cooperating a little bit behind. It&#8217;s also possible if we got one more minute in front, and then the race is maybe also over.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it was a bit what I wanted to do today, just go in the offensive mode.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9GufzogKFZdvetbLaSvnhh\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-9GufzogKFZdvetbLaSvnhh slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It was just the style of racing that the Dutchman enjoys most, and he highlighted that it was largely because at Worlds riders compete without radio communication to the team cars.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This is the best thing there is, racing without earpieces. That always makes for the best races,&#8221; Van der Poel said to NOS.nl. &#8220;I&#8217;m quite a fan of it. Then you really have to race on instinct, and that&#8217;s what I prefer to do.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When the move was finally brought back with 35km to go, and soon after McNulty launched his solo move, Van der Poel never gave up believing in his second rainbow jersey.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AXjNhCaYcqH7gHpCkzNcSd-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I thought my career was done twice in the last two years&#8217; \u2013 Gutsy ride sees Michael Matthews bounce back to make &#8216;dream come true&#8217; with World Championships silver medal<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q8kUhjZX9ZVF2efLMD6XpR-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q8kUhjZX9ZVF2efLMD6XpR-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Mathieu van der Poel skips Canadian one-day races, returns to Tour de Luxembourg to build for UCI Road World Championships in Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PtrS9sDwrYbpdJhR8HeZyL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">UCI Road World Championships: Brandon McNulty shocks the favourites to win solo and claim first elite men&#8217;s road race world title for USA since 1993 in all-time epic edition<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It was still quite a long way, but I saw immediately that McNulty&#8217;s attack was a good attempt,&#8221; Van der Poel said. &#8220;He has ridden well on this course before and it was a name I had in the back of my mind, but I don&#8217;t think it was up to me to react.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel bided his time as others tried to nail back the American, knowing he still had a chance to win from the group if McNulty was caught.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think it was not up to me to close gaps anymore. I knew I had to gamble a little bit to try and become World Champion. So yeah, I just made my decision there and stuck with it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Of course, it&#8217;s a World Championship, so I really wanted to go for the medal. I managed to recover also a little bit when the group caught me. The first time on the climb I was struggling, but then afterwards I could recover a little bit and then I was a bit less on the limit.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;m happy with the medal, and I think considering it was such a hard race, I did a really good performance to be on the podium, actually. I can be happy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel let on that he is expecting his first child with partner Roxanne Bertels, and so has not yet made any plans to defend his world title in cyclocross in January.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I haven&#8217;t thought about that yet. Becoming a father for the first time is very special. We&#8217;ll see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/racing-without-earpieces-always-makes-for-the-best-races-mathieu-van-der-poel-nabs-bronze-in-chaotic-worlds-road-race-in-montreal\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: American wins men road title after stunning 32km solo ride at Road World Championships 2 &#8216;I don&#8217;t know what&#8217;s happened. I&#8217;m a bit lost for words&#8217; &#8211; Ben Wiggins mystified by missing U23 time trial podium at Road World Championships 3 UCI Road World Championships: Brandon McNulty shocks [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2167695","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2167695","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2167695"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2167695\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2167695"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2167695"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2167695"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}