{"id":2167702,"date":"2026-09-28T11:05:46","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T08:05:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2167702"},"modified":"2026-09-28T11:05:46","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T08:05:46","slug":"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","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2167702","title":{"rendered":"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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-1024-80.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\/efvC3RGXEF5rCQAYedrpaG-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/efvC3RGXEF5rCQAYedrpaG-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;First day back, last day with rainbow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar shows off scar from collarbone surgery as he returns to riding outdoors for the first time since season-ending crash\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>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<\/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 \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/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=\"2026-09-28T11:05:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutchman is due to become a father in January<\/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\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-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=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">2026 Road World Championships: Mathieu van der Poel speaks to the media<\/span><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\">0<\/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-23ccbf40-bb25-11f1-870e-a7bc51933cc7\">Mathieu van der Poel has confirmed that the World Championships in Canada was the final road racing event on his 2026 calendar, with only one sponsorship obligation left before he returns home to Europe and a break from competition.<\/p>\n<p>Van der Poel captured a bronze medal at the hard-fought elite men World Championships road race, where he was on the attack with nearly 90 kilometres left to go. The Van der Poel-inspired move was eventually caught, but the rider from the Netherlands then returned to the thick of the action in the sprint behind solo winner Brandon McNulty (USA).<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-23ccbf40-bb25-11f1-870e-a7bc51933cc7-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel told <em>Wielerflits<\/em> after the Worlds that the rainbow jersey battle was where his road program ended for 2026.<\/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\">His 2026 road season has seen multiple successes come his way throughout the year, starting with a solo breakaway to victory at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Other highlights included a dramatic win at the E3 SaxoClassic and a stage of the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite showing excellent current form with a daylong 176-kilometre solo breakaway in a stage of the Tour de Luxembourg prior to being a key protagonist throughout the Worlds, Van der Poel has now opted to end his road season.<\/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\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-150-80.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;Racing without earpieces always makes for the best races&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel nabs bronze in chaotic Worlds road race in Montreal<\/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\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-150-80.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 have a love-hate relationship with the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel prepares for possible final shot at success<\/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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He also said that his participation in the upcoming cyclo-cross season, a speciality he has dominated for years, remains uncertain. One possible reason for missing out is that his partner Roxanne Bertels is due to give birth to their first child in January, just when racing in the speciality is at its height.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This [The Worlds] was my last race. Now there is a visit to our sponsor Premier Tech, and then I\u2019m going back home,&#8221; he told <em>Wielerflits<\/em> on Sunday evening in Canada.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-p5wQhLZUkWhpKyTBbXy8P8\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-p5wQhLZUkWhpKyTBbXy8P8 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\">&#8220;The cyclo-cross season? I haven\u2019t thought about that yet.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Becoming a father for the first time is very special. We\u2019ll see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year Van der Poel&#8217;s first cyclo-cross race was in Namur on December 14, after which he took an unbroken run of 13 victories, culminating in the World Championships on home soil in Hulst on February 1 this spring.<\/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\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-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&#8217;s 2026 mountain bike return confirmed with place on World Cup start list at Les Gets<\/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\/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-[#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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel had already mentioned in the past that skipping his usual program of cyclo-cross, a sport where he is currently a record-breaking eight-time reigning World Champion, was a possibility on his racing program that he&#8217;d not ruled out. The reason he gave when discussing this was he&#8217;d miss out in order to concentrate his energy more fully on the Classics season that follows.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Over the years, Van der Poel has taken a string of victories in all the Spring Monuments barring Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge &#8211; considered by some to be too hilly for his skillset, although he once took third place in La Doyenne, back in 2024.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">More importantly and regarding his main spring focus of the cobbled Classics, in the last couple of seasons Van der Poel has not been able to maintain a consistent upper hand against arch-rival Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and his last win in Flanders, for example, dates from 2024, when Poga\u010dar was not present. Skipping cyclo-cross season potentially could allow him to raise his game against the Slovenian star.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whilst it remains to be seen what Van der Poel will do in the winter, then, one thing is already clear; rather than continue into the autumn Classics, his road season for 2026 is now at an end.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-26bc3f08-bb27-11f1-b0ca-1b8e69fe07db\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><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><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/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>Cyclocross<\/p>\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-p5wQhLZUkWhpKyTBbXy8P8\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-p5wQhLZUkWhpKyTBbXy8P8 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\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-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>Alasdair Fotheringham<\/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>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/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\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-320-80.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;Racing without earpieces always makes for the best races&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel nabs bronze in chaotic Worlds road race in Montreal<\/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\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-320-80.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 have a love-hate relationship with the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel prepares for possible final shot at success<\/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\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-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\">Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s 2026 mountain bike return confirmed with place on World Cup start list at Les Gets<\/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\/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>\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\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-320-80.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;Racing without earpieces always makes for the best races&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel nabs bronze in chaotic Worlds road race in Montreal<\/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\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-320-80.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;Racing without earpieces always makes for the best races&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel nabs bronze in chaotic Worlds road race in Montreal<\/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>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<\/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 \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/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=\"2026-09-28T11:05:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutchman is due to become a father in January<\/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\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-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=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">2026 Road World Championships: Mathieu van der Poel speaks to the media<\/span><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\">0<\/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-23ccbf40-bb25-11f1-870e-a7bc51933cc7\">Mathieu van der Poel has confirmed that the World Championships in Canada was the final road racing event on his 2026 calendar, with only one sponsorship obligation left before he returns home to Europe and a break from competition.<\/p>\n<p>Van der Poel captured a bronze medal at the hard-fought elite men World Championships road race, where he was on the attack with nearly 90 kilometres left to go. The Van der Poel-inspired move was eventually caught, but the rider from the Netherlands then returned to the thick of the action in the sprint behind solo winner Brandon McNulty (USA).<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-23ccbf40-bb25-11f1-870e-a7bc51933cc7-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel told <em>Wielerflits<\/em> after the Worlds that the rainbow jersey battle was where his road program ended for 2026.<\/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\">His 2026 road season has seen multiple successes come his way throughout the year, starting with a solo breakaway to victory at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Other highlights included a dramatic win at the E3 SaxoClassic and a stage of the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite showing excellent current form with a daylong 176-kilometre solo breakaway in a stage of the Tour de Luxembourg prior to being a key protagonist throughout the Worlds, Van der Poel has now opted to end his road season.<\/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\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-150-80.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;Racing without earpieces always makes for the best races&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel nabs bronze in chaotic Worlds road race in Montreal<\/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\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-150-80.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 have a love-hate relationship with the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel prepares for possible final shot at success<\/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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He also said that his participation in the upcoming cyclo-cross season, a speciality he has dominated for years, remains uncertain. One possible reason for missing out is that his partner Roxanne Bertels is due to give birth to their first child in January, just when racing in the speciality is at its height.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This [The Worlds] was my last race. Now there is a visit to our sponsor Premier Tech, and then I\u2019m going back home,&#8221; he told <em>Wielerflits<\/em> on Sunday evening in Canada.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-p5wQhLZUkWhpKyTBbXy8P8\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-p5wQhLZUkWhpKyTBbXy8P8 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\">&#8220;The cyclo-cross season? I haven\u2019t thought about that yet.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Becoming a father for the first time is very special. We\u2019ll see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year Van der Poel&#8217;s first cyclo-cross race was in Namur on December 14, after which he took an unbroken run of 13 victories, culminating in the World Championships on home soil in Hulst on February 1 this spring.<\/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\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-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&#8217;s 2026 mountain bike return confirmed with place on World Cup start list at Les Gets<\/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\/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-[#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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel had already mentioned in the past that skipping his usual program of cyclo-cross, a sport where he is currently a record-breaking eight-time reigning World Champion, was a possibility on his racing program that he&#8217;d not ruled out. The reason he gave when discussing this was he&#8217;d miss out in order to concentrate his energy more fully on the Classics season that follows.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Over the years, Van der Poel has taken a string of victories in all the Spring Monuments barring Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge &#8211; considered by some to be too hilly for his skillset, although he once took third place in La Doyenne, back in 2024.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">More importantly and regarding his main spring focus of the cobbled Classics, in the last couple of seasons Van der Poel has not been able to maintain a consistent upper hand against arch-rival Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and his last win in Flanders, for example, dates from 2024, when Poga\u010dar was not present. Skipping cyclo-cross season potentially could allow him to raise his game against the Slovenian star.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whilst it remains to be seen what Van der Poel will do in the winter, then, one thing is already clear; rather than continue into the autumn Classics, his road season for 2026 is now at an end.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-26bc3f08-bb27-11f1-b0ca-1b8e69fe07db\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><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><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/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>Cyclocross<\/p>\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-p5wQhLZUkWhpKyTBbXy8P8\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-p5wQhLZUkWhpKyTBbXy8P8 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\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-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>Alasdair Fotheringham<\/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>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/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\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-320-80.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;Racing without earpieces always makes for the best races&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel nabs bronze in chaotic Worlds road race in Montreal<\/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\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-320-80.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 have a love-hate relationship with the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel prepares for possible final shot at success<\/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\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-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\">Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s 2026 mountain bike return confirmed with place on World Cup start list at Les Gets<\/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\/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>\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\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-320-80.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;Racing without earpieces always makes for the best races&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel nabs bronze in chaotic Worlds road race in Montreal<\/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\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-320-80.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;Racing without earpieces always makes for the best races&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel nabs bronze in chaotic Worlds road race in Montreal<\/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>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<\/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 \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/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=\"2026-09-28T11:05:46Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutchman is due to become a father in January<\/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\">0<\/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-23ccbf40-bb25-11f1-870e-a7bc51933cc7\">Mathieu van der Poel has confirmed that the World Championships in Canada was the final road racing event on his 2026 calendar, with only one sponsorship obligation left before he returns home to Europe and a break from competition.<\/p>\n<p>Van der Poel captured a bronze medal at the hard-fought elite men World Championships road race, where he was on the attack with nearly 90 kilometres left to go. The Van der Poel-inspired move was eventually caught, but the rider from the Netherlands then returned to the thick of the action in the sprint behind solo winner Brandon McNulty (USA).<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-23ccbf40-bb25-11f1-870e-a7bc51933cc7-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel told <em>Wielerflits<\/em> after the Worlds that the rainbow jersey battle was where his road program ended for 2026.<\/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\">His 2026 road season has seen multiple successes come his way throughout the year, starting with a solo breakaway to victory at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Other highlights included a dramatic win at the E3 SaxoClassic and a stage of the Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Despite showing excellent current form with a daylong 176-kilometre solo breakaway in a stage of the Tour de Luxembourg prior to being a key protagonist throughout the Worlds, Van der Poel has now opted to end his road season.<\/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\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wRaVmC3SoEXPU3FPaiSfj7-150-80.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;Racing without earpieces always makes for the best races&#8217; &#8211; Mathieu van der Poel nabs bronze in chaotic Worlds road race in Montreal<\/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\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BbiX2eXD8WsmSJdGXAbGx9-150-80.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 have a love-hate relationship with the Tour de France&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel prepares for possible final shot at success<\/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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He also said that his participation in the upcoming cyclo-cross season, a speciality he has dominated for years, remains uncertain. One possible reason for missing out is that his partner Roxanne Bertels is due to give birth to their first child in January, just when racing in the speciality is at its height.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;This [The Worlds] was my last race. Now there is a visit to our sponsor Premier Tech, and then I\u2019m going back home,&#8221; he told <em>Wielerflits<\/em> on Sunday evening in Canada.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-p5wQhLZUkWhpKyTBbXy8P8\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-p5wQhLZUkWhpKyTBbXy8P8 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\">&#8220;The cyclo-cross season? I haven\u2019t thought about that yet.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Becoming a father for the first time is very special. We\u2019ll see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last year Van der Poel&#8217;s first cyclo-cross race was in Namur on December 14, after which he took an unbroken run of 13 victories, culminating in the World Championships on home soil in Hulst on February 1 this spring.<\/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\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RyT39Rm6mVMRSyhLcSCtYe-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&#8217;s 2026 mountain bike return confirmed with place on World Cup start list at Les Gets<\/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\/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-[#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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van der Poel had already mentioned in the past that skipping his usual program of cyclo-cross, a sport where he is currently a record-breaking eight-time reigning World Champion, was a possibility on his racing program that he&#8217;d not ruled out. The reason he gave when discussing this was he&#8217;d miss out in order to concentrate his energy more fully on the Classics season that follows.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Over the years, Van der Poel has taken a string of victories in all the Spring Monuments barring Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge &#8211; considered by some to be too hilly for his skillset, although he once took third place in La Doyenne, back in 2024.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">More importantly and regarding his main spring focus of the cobbled Classics, in the last couple of seasons Van der Poel has not been able to maintain a consistent upper hand against arch-rival Tadej Poga\u010dar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and his last win in Flanders, for example, dates from 2024, when Poga\u010dar was not present. Skipping cyclo-cross season potentially could allow him to raise his game against the Slovenian star.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whilst it remains to be seen what Van der Poel will do in the winter, then, one thing is already clear; rather than continue into the autumn Classics, his road season for 2026 is now at an end.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-26bc3f08-bb27-11f1-b0ca-1b8e69fe07db\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><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><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/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\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HW5pMpVuhNLp7TDVZjC5aT-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: American wins men road title after stunning 32km solo ride at Road World Championships 2 &#8216;First day back, last day with rainbow&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar shows off scar from collarbone surgery as he returns to riding outdoors for the first time since season-ending crash 3 UCI Road World [&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-2167702","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\/2167702","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=2167702"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2167702\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2167702"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2167702"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2167702"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}