Mathieu van der Poel ended his cyclocross season due to his back injury and will therefore not defend his world title later this month in the United States. This pain could also affect the road and mountain biking season.
The Dutchman has struggled with swelling around one disc vertebrae since the middle of last year and was adamantly advised to rest to allow him to heal completely.
Last week was full of speculation about how long it might take for the four-time world champion to recover, but on Wednesday he and his team confirmed that the problem was serious enough to cancel participation in the cyclocross world championships and the rest of the races. its ambitions in the short term.
“I can't say much about it, it is what it is. Due to this back pain, I have not been able to reach the desired level since the Tour de France. I just want it to pass and go back to my levels ", Van der Poel told cyclingnews.com, “The only remedy turns out to be a longer rest period. It would therefore be foolish to interrupt this period again and participate in the World Cup. We all agree on this. Although it is very bitter since I have participated in the CX World Championships 10 consecutive times. Not being able to defend my title in the United States is a real shame."
Van der Poel, who suffered a knee gash in a "stupid" training accident in November, returned to cyclocross late but appeared stronger than expected, taking second place behind Wout van Aert at the Dendermonde World Cup . However, Heusden-Zolder was forced to retire the next day, and was soon diagnosed with swelling on an intervertebral disc in his back.
His physiotherapist linked the problem to the efforts Van der Poel has made in so many different disciplines over the years, referring to the "attacks he put on his body" and stressed that only rest could solve it. His father, Adrie van der Poel, also urged him to stop for a while, and his team Alpecin-Fenix came to the same conclusion.
"I'm not worried about the future of my career, but obviously it annoys me not knowing how long this rest period will last", Van der Poel said. “We will set a date and real goals only when the situation is clear. Until then, I will try to enjoy this forced rest. ".
