Van der Poel Makes History with Record 51st Cyclocross Win

A decade-old record fell as Mathieu van der Poel rode into cyclocross history this weekend, claiming his 51st career World Cup victory and surpassing the legendary benchmark set by Sven Nys.

The 31-year-old Dutch world champion made his move early in Sunday's race in Hoogerheide, Netherlands. When competitor Tibor Del Grosso accelerated in the second lap, van der Poel responded instantly, caught up within seconds, and then powered away alone.

What followed was a masterclass in cyclocross racing. Van der Poel extended his lead to 40 seconds, then 50, and eventually more than a minute, gliding through technical sections while the pack behind him struggled to organize a chase.

Behind the dominant leader, the race for second place remained chaotic until the final lap. A large group including Thibau Nys, Toon Aerts, and others repeatedly formed and split as riders took turns trying to break away.

Del Grosso ultimately secured second place in a dramatic sprint finish, with Aerts taking third. But the day belonged entirely to van der Poel, who crossed the finish line alone to seal his historic achievement.

Why This Inspires

Van der Poel's 51st victory moves him past Sven Nys, whose record of 50 World Cup wins had stood as cyclocross's gold standard since 2015. The achievement represents more than just numbers—it's the culmination of years of dedication to a demanding sport that combines cycling, running, and technical skill across muddy, obstacle-filled courses.

Even Nys himself celebrated the moment, joking afterward that he might "apply for a licence again" to reclaim his record. His gracious response reflects the respect van der Poel has earned throughout his career, not just for his dominance but for the way he's elevated the entire sport.

The victory continues van der Poel's remarkable season, where he's consistently rewritten expectations with commanding performances. Experts now predict his winter dominance could carry into spring's prestigious one-day classics on the road racing calendar.

For cyclocross fans and newcomers alike, van der Poel's ride offered a reminder of what's possible when talent meets relentless preparation—a solo exhibition that made the impossible look effortless.