The cycling world is abuzz with speculation about Mathieu van der Poel's future in cyclocross, and it's not just about the trophies anymore. The conversation has shifted to a bigger question: how will the road, and specifically the challenge posed by Tadej Pogacar, influence his choices? The idea that Van der Poel might take a break from cyclocross in the winter is no longer a fringe topic; it's being openly discussed by industry insiders, including veteran analyst Jose De Cauwer. When asked about the possibility of a season without cyclocross, De Cauwer's response was straightforward: 'A winter without cyclocross will come, I think, yes.' This statement is not a retirement announcement, but it does signal a shift in priorities for the rider who is so closely tied to the sport. The reason for this shift is not boredom or a lack of motivation, but rather the growing difficulty of winning the biggest spring races in an era dominated by Pogacar. De Cauwer points to the Tour of Flanders as a key reference point, suggesting that the battle with Pogacar is a challenging one. If Van der Poel wants to continue beating riders like Pogacar in races like Flanders, he must consider every possible advantage, which may mean reevaluating the role of cyclocross in his training. Cyclocross brings sharpness, explosiveness, and race instinct, but it also demands constant high-intensity racing, travel, and recovery, which can impact long-term road preparation. If the goal is to beat Pogacar in the hardest spring races, then the calendar itself becomes a tactical choice. De Cauwer clarifies that this is not the end of Van der Poel in cyclocross, but rather a pause. He hopes to see Van der Poel in the peloton until the cyclocross world championships in Hoogerheide in 2028. The real decision belongs to Van der Poel himself, as only he can determine how much cyclocross fits into the future he wants. The debate is sharpened by Pogacar's commitment to the classics, as he is no longer picking and choosing his races. Instead, he is lining up for both the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, turning the spring into a direct battleground between the biggest names in the sport. This raises the stakes for Van der Poel, as cyclocross is now part of a strategic puzzle. How much of it can he afford if his biggest ambition is to keep winning the races where Pogacar is a central figure? A winter without cyclocross, if it comes, will not be about turning his back on the discipline that shaped him, but rather about deciding how far he is willing to go to stay on top when the fight on the road keeps getting harder.
