In a stunning development that has sent ripples of excitement through the global cyclo-cross community, superstar Mathieu van der Poel has reversed his decision and confirmed his participation in the upcoming UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup round in Benidorm, Costa Blanca. This marks a dramatic last-minute addition to the start list for the sole Spanish fixture in the prestigious series.
The Last-Minute U-Turn: An Unstoppable Urge to Compete
Just days after announcing he would skip the high-profile Benidorm event to focus on crucial endurance training for the upcoming road Spring Classics, Van der Poel’s team, Alpecin-Deceuninck, issued a statement confirming the change of plans. The reason cited was simple yet powerful: “After a strong week of training, the urge to race was simply too great.”
This reversal comes as a massive boost for the spectacle of the Benidorm World Cup, which was already set to feature top-tier talent, albeit with some notable absences. Van der Poel had previously emphasized the necessity of prioritizing road fitness. His initial plan involved sacrificing the short, sharp efforts of cyclo-cross for a warm-weather road training camp, aiming to build the necessary endurance base required for the gruelling Classics season.
Balancing Worlds: Cyclo-cross Dominance vs. Road Ambitions
Mathieu van der Poel has masterfully navigated the often-conflicting demands of elite cyclo-cross and professional road racing for several seasons. His recent cyclo-cross campaign has been nothing short of phenomenal, marked by near-perfect dominance in nearly every outing. However, the transition back to the road requires a different physiological focus. His earlier comments highlighted this struggle: “I really need the endurance training I missed last month with all that cyclo-cross racing, now that I'm looking forward to the Spring Classics.”
The decision to race in Benidorm suggests that his recent training block has been exceptionally positive, providing him with the confidence—or perhaps the temptation—to test his legs against the world’s best in a competitive setting before fully committing to the road calendar. For fans, this means an unmissable showdown is back on the cards.
Benidorm: A Crucial Stop on the World Cup Calendar
The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Benidorm has rapidly established itself as a must-attend event, often providing a spectacular backdrop for intense racing. Situated on the Costa Blanca, the Spanish venue offers a unique blend of technical demands and weather conditions that challenge riders accustomed to the mud and cold of Northern Europe. The 2023 edition saw Van der Poel celebrate a victory, setting a high standard for any participant.
Impact of Other Absences
The news of Van der Poel’s inclusion is particularly significant given some of the other uncertainties surrounding the race. Earlier in the week, news broke that rising star Puck Pieterse would be forced to skip the event following a crash at the Dutch Cyclo-cross National Championships, which cast doubt over her participation. Furthermore, the ongoing recovery and training schedules of other major rivals, including Wout van Aert (who has faced recent injury setbacks), mean that Van der Poel’s presence immediately elevates the competitive stakes.
While the focus for many top riders shifts towards the upcoming UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, the Benidorm round remains vital for maintaining form and securing crucial World Cup points. For Van der Poel, who has demonstrated an almost unbeatable streak in the discipline recently, this race serves as a final, high-intensity examination before he fully pivots his attention to the cobbles and climbs of the European road season.
What This Means for the Spring Classics Build-Up
The immediate impact of this decision is a slight deviation from his planned training schedule. Competing in a World Cup race, even one he is heavily favoured to win, involves significant physical expenditure and travel fatigue. However, elite athletes like Van der Poel often view high-intensity racing as a superior form of 'training' compared to structured intervals, especially when the competitive fire is burning.
His team’s statement suggests confidence in his current fitness level. By racing now, Van der Poel can gauge his speed and power output against race conditions, rather than relying solely on training data. This tactical flexibility is a hallmark of his successful career. As the cycling world gears up for the Spring Classics—races where Van der Poel is expected to be a dominant force—Benidorm will serve as an electrifying appetizer, confirming that the champion is ready to deploy his formidable abilities across multiple disciplines.
Fans across Great Britain and the globe will now be eagerly tuning in, anticipating another masterclass from the Dutch phenomenon as he momentarily pauses his road preparation for one last, irresistible cyclo-cross hurrah in the Spanish sunshine.
