Bytagand the publication "A seventh cyclo-cross world champion title for Mathieu van der Poel, the sixth with Canyon"
Ever since Canyon founder Roman Arnold first witnessed the prowess of a young Dutch prodigy named Mathieu van der Poel, a clear and very simple plan was hatched. Hire Mathieu, build the best bikes, win the biggest races, listen to his feedback, repeat.
Source: CP – Photos: Kristof Ramon
Public chat route, in gravel and mountain biking, Mathieu van der Poel is clearly one of the best in the world, but in cyclocross, he has gone one step further, writing his name into the history of the discipline. He is now on par with the greatest of all time – at least in terms of world championship titles. And for the majority of those victories, he has not only ridden the Inflite CFR, but he has also contributed significantly to its development.
With his victory this weekend in Liévin, France, Mathieu's seven world championship titles, won between 2015 and 2025, now put him on a par with Erik de Vlaeminck, who won his titles between 1966 and 1973.
Speaking to NPO about what it means to equal Erik de Vlaminck's record, Mathieu said: " It's a record that has stood for a very, very long time. When you start racing in the elite category, you hope to be [world champion] once of course, but you never imagine being seven times world champion, so for me too it's something special. »
Seven world titles, one iconic bike
Mathieu signed with Canyon in late 2017, which now gives him six world titles on the Inflite CFR, the Canyon Factory Racing bike with the iconic curved top tube, designed to excel in the mud, grass and sand conditions found in the sport.
In his quest for greatness, Mathieu’s feedback on the Inflite CFR led to improvements across the board, creating an ultra-lightweight benchmark bike that makes light work of even the toughest courses. His input into the bike’s design and feedback during the development process were instrumental in making the Inflite CFR a benchmark.
With perfectly predictable handling, an ultra-clean CP0018 Aerocockpit with adjustable and integrated width, highly durable bearings and a frame that reduces harshness and discomfort and provides ample clearance for mud-shedding tires, the Inflite CFR is the bike of choice for the world's top cyclocross pros, including of course fellow 2025 Cyclocross World Championship winners Tibor Del Grosso and Zoe Bäckstedt.
Del Grosso and Bäckstedt shine in the Espoirs
Dutchman Del Grosso, who also happens to be Van der Poel's team-mate at Alpecin-Deceuninck, claimed victory in the Under-23s on Saturday to retain the title he previously won in 2024.
Bäckstedt also defended her U23 title with a win on Sunday despite a heavy crash on the opening lap. The CANYON//SRAM rider opted for lower tire pressure and quickly built up a commanding lead to claim her third world championship title and second at U23 level.
With three rainbow jerseys this weekend, plus a slew of World Cup wins and previous World Championship titles, Canyon's Inflite CFR is one of the most successful cyclocross bikes of all time.
Bytagand the publication "A seventh cyclo-cross world champion title for Mathieu van der Poel, the sixth with Canyon"
