Cyclo-cross star Mathieu van der Poel has withdrawn from Wednesday's X20 Cyclocross Trophy in Baal due to a rib injury, just a month before he aims for his seventh world title. The Dutch rider's Alpecin-Deceuninck team reported that the 29-year-old has been experiencing "significant pain in his ribs" following a crash into a pole during the cyclo-cross event in Loenhout last Friday.

Team Statement On Recovery

"The discomfort has gotten worse in recent days," his team stated. "After consulting the medical team this morning (Wednesday), Mathieu made the difficult decision not to start today." The team will monitor his recovery to assess his potential participation in the Koksijde cyclo-cross event scheduled for Friday.

World Championship Aspirations

Van der Poel has won all five events he has entered this season, solidifying his status as the favorite for the upcoming world championships in Lievin, France, in early February. There, he will attempt to match Belgian Eric De Vlaeminck's record of seven world titles.