Mathieu van der Poel's Canyon Inflite CF SLX(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Complete with Dura-Ace groupset(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
And as is the default choice in today's CX scene, disc brakes provided stopping power(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Tyre choice comes from French outfit FMB, and despite TLR usually denoting tubeless-ready, these are very much tubulars(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Tread pattern is low profile, with larger shoulder knobs for cornering grip(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Don't try this at home: high powered pressure washing is the method of choice for CX(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
With long stretches of sand and detours via the sea, the bike's bearings would have been through a hard time(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Shimano's XTR mountain-bike pedals keep Van der Poel's feet planted(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Despite having GRX as a gravel groupset, Van der Poel opts for Dura-Ace(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
The Dura-Ace cassette was the 11-30 variant(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Cable-protection comes in the form of zip ties(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
With a 2X chainset comes the need for a front mech, and Dura-Ace takes care of this too(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Despite many road riders using XTR rotors, Van der Poel used the 10g heavier Dura-Ace discs(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Unsurprisingly, Shimano Dura-Ace takes care of the calipers too(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Pre-race, clean and ready to go(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
It is rumoured that when it arrives, the new Dura-Ace will be wireless(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Some riders opt for oversized pulley wheels even in cyclo-cross. Not Mathieu, though(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Just like Van der Poel, the FMB tyres have left their mark in the sand(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
This missing cable port cover is a small scar from an almighty battle(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Canyon's H11 cockpit is slammed to the max for Mathieu(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Wrapped in Selle Italia tape for wet-weather grip(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Selle Italia also supplies the saddle, with its Flite Boost(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Quite the unconventional frame shape, the Inflite is said to be easier to shoulder when running(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Tyre clearance is plentiful (Image credit: Joris Knapen)
The cockpit measures 410mm wide, and a comparatively-short-for-him 110mm long(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Cable routing is heat-shrunk together and fed through the same port(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Quick-release adaptors help speed up wheel changes for thru-axle wheels(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Van der Poel would have likely paired his various bikes' power meters with a smart watch(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
After cleaning, a few spots of water are all the evidence that remains from the bike's hour of torture(Image credit: Joris Knapen)
Mathieu van der Poel stormed to a third straight cyclo-cross world championship on Sunday, winning his fourth career title at the age of just 26. On the sandy beach of Oostende, he outrode his lifelong rival Wout van Aert, who finished in second place at 37 seconds.
With the temperatures and rainfall perfectly in line with a traditional Belgian January, and the day's terrain featuring mud, grass, long stretches of sand, artificial fly-overs and even a riders-choice detour via the North Sea, equipment choice on the day was going to be crucial.
After an early Van der Poel crash - during which he reportedly broke his saddle - it was a Van Aert puncture that swung the race in the reigning champion's favour, and once alone, he settled into the race-dominating time-trial rhythm that we've seen so many times already this season.
Much discussion has surrounded Van Aert's bike choice since the turn of the year when his Bianchi Zolder CX was given a lick of sponsor-friendly paint in the absence of a Cervelo CX bike to ride. However, despite his countless minutes of TV time, Van der Poel's bike has gone largely unnoticed.
The bike in question is the Canyon Inflite CF SLX, complete with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset and Dura-Ace tubular wheels. His choice of tyres comes from FMB and feature a reasonably low tread profile with a slightly more aggressive shoulder tread for cornering grip, they measure the UCI-permitted maximum 33c.
As has become more widely adopted this season, Van der Poel opted for a 2X chainset, with Shimano's Dura-Ace Di2 groupset powering the shifting and braking. Despite not running a head unit, Van der Poel's bikes were fitted with power meters, which were most likely paired to a smart watch.
Perhaps most controversially, however, was Van der Poel's order of attire. Going against his usual tact, the new world champion opted for socks UNDER his leg warmers.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Mathieu van der Poel's Canyon Inflite CF SLX - specifications
Frame: Canyon Inflite CF SLX
Front brake: Shimano Dura-Ace R9120 disc brake caliper
Josh is Associate Editor of Cyclingnews – leading our content on the best bikes, kit and the latest breaking tech stories from the pro peloton. He has been with us since the summer of 2019 and throughout that time he's covered everything from buyer's guides and deals to the latest tech news and reviews.
On the bike, Josh has been riding and racing for over 15 years. He started out racing cross country in his teens back when 26-inch wheels and triple chainsets were still mainstream, but he found favour in road racing in his early 20s, racing at a local and national level for Somerset-based Team Tor 2000. These days he rides indoors for convenience and fitness, and outdoors for fun on road, gravel, 'cross and cross-country bikes, the latter usually with his two dogs in tow.
