Netherlands celebrate 'emotional' first Worlds win since 1985 with Van der Poel

Mathieu van der Poel overcome by emotion shortly after winning the 2023 UCI Road World Championships in Glasgow
Mathieu van der Poel overcome by emotion shortly after winning the 2023 UCI Road World Championships in Glasgow (Image credit: Dean MouhtaropoulosGetty Images)

The past 37 editions of the elite men's road race at the UCI Road World Championships have brought silver and bronze medals for the Netherlands. Since Joop Zoetemelk's win in 1985, Dylan van Baarle, Steven Rooks, and Léon van Bon have all stood on the final podium next to the rainbow jersey wearer.

But none of them, nor the multitude of stars and talented male riders the Dutch have sent to the Worlds over the years, had managed to take the rainbow jersey before Mathieu van der Poel's solo ride in Glasgow on Sunday.

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Dani Ostanek
Senior News Writer

Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor and later being hired full-time. Prior to joining the team, they had written for numerous major publications in the cycling world, including CyclingWeekly and Rouleur.

 

Dani has reported from the world's top races, including the Tour de France, World Championships, and the spring Classics. They have interviewed many of the sport's biggest stars, including Mathieu van der Poel, Remco Evenepoel, Demi Vollering, and Anna van der Breggen.

 

As well as original reporting, news and feature writing, and production work, Dani also oversees How to Watch guides and works on The Leadout newsletter throughout the season. Their favourite races are Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix and their favourite published article is from the 2024 edition of the latter: 'Unless I'm in an ambulance, I'm finishing this race' – Cyrus Monk, the last man home at Paris-Roubaix