Mathieu Van der Poel will not be attending the 2021 X²O Trofee Loenhout – Azencross. He once again experienced back pain right after the 2021 Dendermonde World Cup race. The pain worsened during the Heusden-Zolder race, which lead him to pull out with a DNF as a safety precaution. A Medical examination showed that he had a swelling on an intervertebral disc. After the medical examination, he decided not to attend the 2021 X²O Trofee Loenhout – Azencross nor the World Cup in Hulst.
“It’s frustrating, but it is what it is. The problem has been there for some time, and I’m somewhat relieved that there is an identifiable cause that can be remedied with extra rest and treatment. Everyone knows that the World Championships in the US is the first big goal of 2022, but it is certainly not the only or the last one.” – Mathieu van der Poel
Let’s hope the four-time World Champ heals and recovers in time for the Fayetteville World Championships, but most importantly, heals fully so that we can marvel at his talents for years to come.
Check out the full results for the 2021 UCI World Cup Dendermonde Elite Men and Elite Women.
Check out the full results for the 2021 Heusden Zolder Superprestige Elite Men and Elite Women.
