Everyone knew that Mathieu van der Poel was the big favorite for the cyclocross world championships in Tabor, but unlike last year in Hoogerheide in the U23 race, he managed to handle the pressure. From the very start, he tried to demolish the opposition and took the rainbow jersey in a dominant fashion. Later he attended a press conference like he had never done anything else in his young life.

"I was not afraid. I know I can perform against the elite riders, and I have already proved that in Hoogerheide last week," he said. "This course was technical and that was definitely in my favor. During the warm-up, I realized that the stairs could make the difference.

"Mentally it was a hard race. Even though I usually had ten seconds, I often looked back. Sometimes Lars and Wout came back to within five seconds, but then I had the advantage that I could jump the barriers. And then I again made ​​the difference. 

"Whether I had a plan at the start? No, I just came here to ride. It bodes well for the future. Wout and I made a late decision to ride with the elite and we have shown that this was the right decision. The final half lap I knew I would be world champion, and I saw the people who helped me throughout the year. It is an indescribable feeling."