Volgende mogelijke wedstrijd van Mathieu van der Poel bij de UCI Wereldbeker Veldrijden in Benidorm uitgesteld om persoonlijke redenen

Mathieu van der Poel’s Next Potential Race at the Benidorm UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Postponed Due to Personal Reasons.

 

 

Mathieu van der Poel’s anticipated return to cyclo-cross competition has been delayed, with his next potential race at the Benidorm UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup now postponed due to personal reasons. The decision introduces uncertainty into the Dutch star’s winter schedule and has prompted widespread discussion among fans and analysts eager to see one of the sport’s biggest names back in action.

Van der Poel, a multiple-time world champion and one of the most versatile riders in modern cycling, had been loosely linked to the Benidorm World Cup round as a possible target this month. The Spanish event has rapidly established itself as a highlight of the cyclo-cross calendar, drawing large crowds and featuring a fast, technical circuit well suited to riders with strong bike-handling skills and explosive power—qualities that have long defined van der Poel’s racing style.

However, those plans are now on hold. While no detailed explanation has been provided, the postponement is understood to be related to personal circumstances rather than any physical issue or injury. Both the rider and his team have signaled that these matters require time and attention, making it impractical to commit to a fixed racing schedule in the short term.

This cautious approach reflects a broader shift in how van der Poel manages his career. In recent seasons, he has emphasized the importance of mental well-being and balance alongside performance. Juggling cyclo-cross, road racing, and mountain biking at the highest level places immense demands on both body and mind, and van der Poel has increasingly chosen to prioritize long-term sustainability over frequent appearances.

The postponement is a disappointment for fans who were hoping to see him line up in Benidorm, where his presence would have added significant excitement to the race. Van der Poel’s ability to animate races, attack aggressively, and influence outcomes even when not at peak condition makes him a unique draw in any event he enters. His absence leaves the World Cup field without one of its most compelling protagonists.

That said, there is a strong sense of understanding within the cycling community. Personal matters are widely acknowledged as legitimate and necessary reasons to step back, and van der Poel’s stature in the sport affords him the space to make such decisions without undue pressure. Having already achieved major victories across multiple disciplines, he has little left to prove and ample reason to protect his well-being.

For now, attention turns to when van der Poel might return rather than where. Future cyclo-cross appearances remain possible later in the season, depending on how circumstances evolve. Until then, his focus remains off the bike, with racing ambitions temporarily taking a back seat.

As the cyclo-cross season continues without him, the Benidorm World Cup will go ahead as planned, but with the lingering sense of a notable absence. When van der Poel does eventually return, his comeback is likely to be met with the same anticipation and enthusiasm that follow him wherever he races.