Mathieu Van der Poel's seasonal debut in cyclocross, returning to racing after a long break, was not as easy as last year: to conquer victory, the Dutchman had to fight against a truly fierce Thibau Nys.

"Last year I was too good, too fast. That's why I asked for a more gradual preparation," Van der Poel said after crossing the finish line. "In the end, however, I managed to do it."

While Van der Poel was celebrating his first seasonal success in cyclocross, on the other side, Thibau Nys had to deal with a bitter defeat, also caused by a bad fall.

The Belgian's front wheel slipped, and he was no longer able to regain control of the bike: thus Nys had to say goodbye to his fifth seasonal victory, forty points in the World Cup standings, but above all to a possible victory against Mathieu van der Poel.

Every year, around mid-December, when Van der Poel is about to return to the cyclocross scene, the crucial question is: will someone, besides Wout van Aert, finally manage to get close to the world champion? In recent years, no one thought about a possibility of defeat, but Nys, thanks also to his artistic heritage, had made people imagine something beautiful for Belgium.

The race was tough, and the Dutchman also fell, quickly getting back up. "My fall was a steering error; I couldn't turn the bike's handlebars in time, and it was impossible to correct. I made some mistakes, but for the first cyclocross of the season, it went quite well. I think the effort cost me dearly. Technically, however, I can say I did well."

"It was a race in line with my expectations. I had anticipated that winning would be very difficult. Technically, it went quite well for a circuit like this, apart from a few errors. It's mainly the commitment that I need to improve."

But the fact that things didn't go so well in Namur is part of a precise plan. Everyone remembers the Dutchman's solo rides, and it was clear that no one could challenge him. "I'm deliberately a bit less ahead compared to last season. Last year I started feeling good and being fast both in races and training. I was immediately super, but I didn't improve much ahead of the World Championships. That's why I asked to gradually increase my level. My base is now good because I've already trained for many hours, but with less intensity compared to last year."

The goal, as everyone knows, is the World Championship, which will be held in Mathieu van der Poel's home country: the Dutchman is looking for his eighth world title, to write a new incredible record.

Next week, Van der Poel will face his long-time rival Wout Van Aert in Antwerp. There is much anticipation for this race because the rivalry between the Belgian and the Dutchman has always fired up the muddy paths of cyclocross. "Wout will certainly manage without problems; there will be exciting battles. I'm convinced of that."