Mathieu van der Poel could complete an historic treble on Saturday when he attempts to add the mountain bike world title to his current road race and cyclo-cross crowns.

Winner of February's world cyclo- cross championships, the 28-year-old Dutchman added the road race world title to his trophies this week.

Mathieu van der Poel Could Become The First Holding Three Unique World Championship Titles

Van der Poel would become the first rider to hold all three titles at the same time, and while his preparation has been limited he has a record of delivering on the big day.

Emerging from the mists of the final laps of Glasgow's ultra-long road race on Sunday, Van der Poel unleashed an awe-inspiring acceleration.

It allowed him to break away for the title ahead of arch-rival Wout van Aert and two-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar.

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2023 UCI Track Championships Coverage

2023 UCI Road World Championships Coverage

Mathieu van der Poel Admits 'Long Shot' In Mountain Bike World Championships 2023

Van der Poel conceded, however, his bid on Saturday was a long shot.

"I'll be honest and tell you without any preparation it'll be difficult," he said.

"I haven't climbed on a mountain bike for around a year. And I know how tricky it can be changing disciplines."

He had been favourite for the mountain bike gold at the 2000 Tokyo Games before a peculiar fall.

In training, organisers had placed a ramp over a log, removing it on the big day, with Van der Poel paying a heavy price.

Modestly, he explained he would like a top 10 and a few qualifying points for the 2024 Paris Games, "but you never know".

Agile and powerful at the same time, Van der Poel is a five-time world cyclo-cross champion and excels across flat terrain.

Tadej Pogacar Admires The Power Of Mathieu van der Poel After Worlds 2023 Win

When he won the road race, his rivals could only admire his ability.

"There's no arguing, he was the strongest," congratulated his eternal rival Van Aert, second in the road race and who will aim for gold in the time trial on Friday.

"He was incredible, completely crazy," said Pogacar.

"He's a beautiful world champion, he deserves it," said dethroned world champion Remco Evenepoel.

Van der Poel has one of the finest records in cycling.

While his size prevents him from targeting the Grand Tours, he has won a string of the great one-day races including two Tour of Flanders, a Paris-Roubaix, a Milan-Sanremo and stages on the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia.

How To Watch 2023 UCI World Championships?

FloBikes and FloSports is streaming the UCI World Championships starting on Aug. 3. FloBikes will also have replays, highlights and more news and updates from the event.

Tom Pidcock To Challenge Mathieu van der Poel In Mountain Bike Worlds 2023

A third world crown in the same year would further elevate his status ahead of next year's Olympics, where he could line up in mountain biking and on the road.

"I saw the course, I like it," said Van der Poel of the Paris Games.

On the mud paths of Glentress at these 'super worlds', where 13 events are ongoing simultaneously for the first time, Van der Poel faces a familiar foe on Saturday.

British rider Tom Pidcock avoided the road race action to focus on taking part in the mountain bike finale.

Pidcock won the bronze medal in the mountain bike short track Thursday saying he had used it for a run out.

"I only did this to prepare for Saturday but this morning I was pretty up for it and it's nice to have a medal," he said. 

2023 UCI Track World Championships Schedule 

Aug. 3 Schedule

Mountain Bike Downhill at Nevis Range, Fort William

• Women Junior - Qualifying 
• Men Junior - Qualifying

Aug. 4 Schedule

Mountain Bike Downhill at Nevis Range, Fort William

• Women Elite - Qualifying
• Men Elite - Qualifying
• Women Junior - Final
• Men Junior - Final

Aug. 5 Schedule

Mountain Bike Downhill at Nevis Range, Fort William

• Women Elite - Final
• Men Elite - Final

Aug. 8 Schedule

Mountain Bike Cross Country at Glentress Forest, Tweed Valley 

• Women Elite Short Track - Qualifying
• Men Elite Short Track - Qualifying

Aug. 9 Schedule

Mountain Bike Cross Country at Glentress Forest, Tweed Valley

• Team Relay
• Women E-MTB
• Men E-MTB

Aug. 10 Schedule

Mountain Bike Cross Country at Glentress Forest, Tweed Valley

• Women Junior Olympic 
• Men Junior Olympic
• Men Elite Short Track - Final
• Women Elite Short Track - Final

Aug. 11 Schedule

Mountain Bike Cross Country at Glentress Forest, Tweed Valley

• Men Under 23 Olympic
• Women Under 23 Olympic

Aug. 12 Schedule

Mountain Bike Cross Country at Glentress Forest, Tweed Valley

• Women Elite Olympic
• Men Elite Olympic

FloSports' 2023 UCI World Championships Streaming Schedule

Here is when FloBikes and the FloSports app will stream the UCI World Championships. 

• 08/05/23    7:10 AM    9:00 AM    Women Elite DHI Final    
• 08/05/23    9:00 AM    12:25 PM    Men Elite DHI Final + Medals Ceremony Women & Men  
• 08/09/23    7:10 AM    9:40 AM    Mixed Team Relay + Medal Ceremony    
• 08/09/23    9:40 AM    1:20 PM    E-MTB Women & Men Elite + Medals Ceremony    
• 08/10/23    12:25 PM    1:25 PM    Men Elite Cross-country Short Track - Final    
• 08/10/23    1:25 PM    2:50 PM    Women Elite Cross-country Short Track - Final + Medals Ceremony Men & Women    
• 08/11/23    6:10 AM    8:20 AM    U23 Women
• 08/11/23    9:10 AM    12:20 PM    U23 Men
• 08/12/23    6:10 AM    8:40 AM    Women Elite Cross-country Olympic + Medal Ceremony    
• 08/12/23    10:10 AM    12:40 PM    Men Elite Cross-country Olympic + Medal Ceremony