Fans are in the dark about Van der Poel’s cyclo-cross return, but what do those early morning rides mean?

Fans are in the dark about Van der Poel’s cyclo-cross return, but what do those early morning rides mean?

 

 

 

As autumn deepens and the cyclo-cross season kicks into gear, one question looms large in the cycling world: When will Mathieu van der Poel return to the mud? Despite his high-profile presence on the road—most recently marked by a dominant season capped with a World Championship title—fans of the off-road spectacle are left guessing. The Dutchman, known for his explosive power and unmatched bike handling, has remained tight-lipped about his cyclo-cross calendar. Yet, eagle-eyed followers have spotted a few intriguing signs—namely, early morning training rides that suggest a quiet build-up to something big.

Van der Poel, a multi-discipline star, typically transitions into cyclo-cross in late November or early December, using the off-season in road racing to tune up in the mud before heading into a lighter schedule. But 2025 has been different. With his road campaign peaking with historic wins, including Milan-San Remo and the Tour of Flanders, many speculated he might skip cyclo-cross altogether to rest and refocus for the Olympics in Paris. So far, there’s been no official confirmation either way.

However, recent sightings and social media hints tell a slightly different story. Van der Poel has been spotted logging high-intensity rides in the early mornings near his home base in Belgium—rides that mirror the sort of workouts he typically undertakes during a cross-season build. These aren’t long endurance sessions; they’re short, punchy efforts, often on mixed terrain. For those familiar with his patterns, the signs are hard to ignore.

Could these be the first steps in a quiet preparation for a return to cyclo-cross? It wouldn’t be out of character. Van der Poel is known for entering the season late but arriving with immediate impact. In previous years, he’s needed only a race or two to find form and start winning. He may be plotting a similar path this winter—coming in hot just in time for key World Cup rounds and the World Championships, perhaps aiming to fine-tune his explosiveness before the 2026 road season.

But there’s another angle to consider: these rides could also be about maintenance, not preparation. After a long road season, many top pros keep their bodies sharp with varied efforts before entering full rest phases. For Van der Poel, mixing road and gravel efforts in the early hours may simply be a mental reset or a personal rhythm, rather than a signal to cyclo-cross rivals.

In truth, only Van der Poel and his Alpecin–Deceuninck camp know the plan. The silence may be strategic—keeping competitors guessing, reducing media pressure, or allowing him the freedom to decide week by week. Still, for cyclo-cross fans, hope remains. The sport isn’t quite the same without him, and those dawn rides might just be the first flicker of his return.

Until the official announcement drops, the speculation will continue. But one thing is certain: when Van der Poel does re-enter the fray, it will be on his own terms—and the cyclo-cross world will be watching.