The 2026/27 cyclocross season might come with a twist. It's quite possible that eight-time world champion Mathieu van der Poel will not compete this winter at all. Perfect opportunity for his specialists to step into the spotlight; but also for his long-time rival Wout Van Aert.

It's been clear for a few seasons now; Van der Poel above anything else wishes to become the mountain bike world champion during his career, completing a collection of rainbow jerseys.

In addition, the Dutch cyclists expects birth of his first child around the January next year, precisely colliding with the height of the cyclocross campaign. It's logical that Van der Poel would then by his partner Roxanne Bertels' side as much as possible.

All this brings up a logical question; Will we see Van der Poel in action this winter? "It's nice that this theme comes back every year," says Bart Wellens during the coverage of the PlaySports Superprestige round in Overijse.

"He might take a year off"

Taking all context into account, the Belgian comes to the disappointing conclusion that Van der Poel is unlikely to make an appearance. "It is very likely that he will skip it this year. He is going to be a father: perhaps that is a reason to take a year off."

His co-commentator Niels Albert, a former cyclocross world champion, was asked if he already knows more about Van Aert's cyclocross program. "No, and otherwise I wouldn't be allowed to say," Albert laughs.

Wout van Aert leads Mathieu van der Poel in the snow at the 2026 Exact Cross Mol, before crashing once again

Alternatively, some fans suggest a scenario where Van der Poel shows up only for the World Championships scheduled for the last weekend in January.

That "strategy" would with its shortcomings regarding starting position, but if Tom Pidcock could do it at mountain bikes Worlds... "You shouldn't be surprised by anything from Mathieu."

Special Hoogerheide

Albert, however, has a different theory of his own. "He could add Hoogerheide alongside the World Championships; that remains his dad's race. In 2028, he could then become world champion in Hoogerheide for the tenth time. That seems like something to me as well."

Wellens then comments on a possible participation of Van Aert at the World Championships. "It is in front of home crowds, that certainly adds an advantage. Although Wout Mathieu isn't like that: he has had to fight hard in recent years to bring out his best performance."