Mathieu van der Poel's 2026 began with a record-extending eighth cyclocross world title on home Dutch sand in Hulst. The road spring that followed broke the pattern of his career in one direction and confirmed it in another. He won E3 Saxo Classic solo from a late attack — a Flanders dress rehearsal that didn't survive the actual Flanders. He bridged on the final Kemmelberg at Gent-Wevelgem; the catch arrived 500 m from the line and Philipsen finished the bunch sprint behind him. He won Tirreno-Adriatico Stage 2 on wet gravel and Stage 4 on Apennine climbing, the form line confirming what he'd take to Strade Bianche.
Then Milano-Sanremo turned. He made the Cipressa selection with Pogačar and Pidcock — the right move, the right reading — and was the first of the three to crack on the Poggio. Then Roubaix, the race he'd won three consecutive times entering 2026: two punctures inside the Trouée d'Arenberg, a brief attempt to ride Philipsen's bike (too small), a roadside wheel change with an Allen key, a third puncture before the sector ended. He left the forest two minutes off the front. Fourth in salvage. The Ronde van Vlaanderen four days later went to Pogačar's Oude Kwaremont attack he could not follow; second at +34 was the consolation.
The spring's most remarkable spread: the cyclocross world title, two cobbled Classics seconds, the Roubaix-defending position lost to Arenberg mechanicals. Skipped the Ardennes. Will rest before the Tour, where Alpecin's GC/sprint cards will be tested again.