In total: the wallet of the three-time winner of Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders would therefore have already grown by some 140,700 euros since he started his season on December 14 in Namur.
Not satisfied yet, van der Poel could see himself breaking a few sporting records. There is, of course, first the world championship of 1is February, at his home in Hulst. If he wins the rainbow jersey that day, he will become the only one with eight world titles (Editor’s note: he has already won in 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025), Eric De Vlaeminck having stopped at seven (1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1973).
Matching Sven Nys in the World Cup
Even if he says he is not fixated on it and has not yet confirmed his participation in the Benidorm round (January 18), MvdP also has a card to play in the World Cup. “I think I should have driven at Dendermonde on Sunday.”he said. For the moment, it only points to 4e position (with 160 pts) in the general classification behind Laurens Sweeck (186 pts, but injured in the collarbone this Monday), Thibaut Nys (183) and Michael Vanthourenhout (167). Making a three out of three in Zonhoven, Maasmechelen and Hoogerheide could, however, be enough for him to collect the 30,000 euros promised to the final winner. An additional source of motivation: he can aim for 50 World Cup victories and equal Sven Nys’ record.
Wout van Aert, 6th in Dendermonde, did not take advantage of van der Poel’s absence: “I was never in the running for victory”
Soon the milestone of 300 victories?
Finally, with 295 victories (including 178 among the elites), van der Poel is well aware that he is very close to the mythical barrier of 300 victories, which he could reach before the world championship. For him, the rest of the season promises to be exciting.
Thibau Nys winner of a superb cyclo-cross in Dendermonde: “Negotiating the last turns full tube, it was exhilarating!”
