Seven starts, seven wins – it’s been a cakewalk for Mathieu van der Poel so far in cyclocross this winter.
It’s the same story with Lucinda Brand in the women’s field, who is 17 for 19 this 2025-26 CX season.
It was more of the same on Thursday in the latest leg of the X20 Trofee Baal-GP Sven Nys too open the New Year with a similar ending to how last year concluded.
In cold, miserable conditions, Van der Poel coasted to another textbook but muddy win, while Brand won her 13th in a row to secure the overall series title with still two races left to go.
## Van der Poel on a roll
Van der Poel almost muddied his white rainbow stripes in a rare spill that sent the seven-time world champion into the fences.
MVDP got stuck in a deep rut, lost his balance, adn bounced into the fencing. Such is his dominance that even a minor mistake is big news in the cyclocross heartland.
Puck Pieterse: Rising Star and Favorite for the 2026 Cyclocross World Championships
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puck Pieterse is widely considered the frontrunner for the 2026 Cyclocross World Championships. The young Dutch rider has rapidly ascended to the top of the sport, demonstrating exceptional skill and power. Though, despite her dominance throughout much of the season, a recent loss at the European Championships serves as a reminder that victory is never guaranteed in the fiercely competitive world of cyclocross.
Recent successes and Current Form
Pieterse has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in cyclocross. Her performances throughout the 2023-2024 season and into 2025 have been consistently strong, marked by numerous victories and podium finishes. She currently rides for Fenix-Deceuninck,a prominent team in the sport.Her aggressive riding style and ability to handle challenging course conditions have quickly made her a fan favorite.
The European Championships Setback
Despite her overall success, Pieterse experienced a setback at the 2024 European Cyclocross Championships in November, losing the title to her teammate, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado.https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/uec-cyclocross-european-championships-2024/result This result highlighted the depth of talent within the Fenix-Deceuninck team and the unpredictable nature of cyclocross racing. It also demonstrated that even the most dominant riders can be challenged on any given day.
Key Competitors and the road to the World Championships
While Pieterse is the clear favorite, several other riders are expected to contend for the World Championship title. these include:
* Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado: Pieterse’s teammate and the reigning European Champion, Alvarado has proven she can beat Pieterse and will be a meaningful threat.
* Fem van Empel: Another strong Dutch rider, Van Empel has a history of success in cyclocross and is always a contender.
* Marianne Vos: A veteran of the sport and a multiple-time World Champion, Vos possesses the experience and tactical acumen to challenge for the title.
The lead-up to the 2026 World Championships will likely involve a series of intense races across various cyclocross circuits,providing valuable opportunities for riders to hone their skills and assess their competition.The UCI Cyclocross World Cup series will be a crucial proving ground. https://www.uci.org/cycling/disciplines/cyclocross/calendar
Looking Ahead
Puck Pieterse’s talent and dedication make her the clear favorite for the 2026 Cyclocross World Championships. Though,her recent loss at the European Championships underscores the importance of readiness,strategy,and a bit of luck. The competition will be fierce, and Pieterse will need to be at her best to secure the coveted rainbow jersey.
Key Takeaways:
* Puck Pieterse is the red-hot favorite for the 2026 Cyclocross World Championships.
* A recent loss at the European Championships demonstrates that victory is not guaranteed.
* Key competitors include Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, Fem van Empel, and Marianne vos.
* the UCI Cyclocross World Cup series will be crucial preparation for the World Championships.