The King of Cyclocross returns in Silver. Here is the complete, part-by-part breakdown of Mathieu van der Poel’s 2025/26 race machine.
For the 2025/26 cyclocross season, the World Champion has debuted a stunning new Metallic Silver livery. While the paint is fresh, the mechanics underneath remain the most dominant setup in the history of the sport.
Mathieu van der Poel continues to refine a formula that works. Unlike the constant tinkering seen elsewhere in the paddock, MVDP’s setup is a masterclass in consistency. He rides a standard Size Large Canyon Inflite CF SLX frame with a very specific, aggressive cockpit setup that defies modern “short stem” trends.
Below is the definitive specification sheet for his 2025 Canyon Inflite CF SLX, including the specific Shimano part numbers and the pro-only gear ratios he uses to crush the competition.
The Rider Profile: MVDP 2025 Fit
Before you buy the bike, check the engine. Mathieu’s geometry is based on these body metrics:
- Height: 1.84m (6’0″)
- Weight: ~75kg
- Saddle Height: 79.5cm (BB center to top of saddle)
The Chassis: Geometry & Cockpit
The most critical data point for optimizers is the sizing. Mathieu does not downsize.
- Frame: Canyon Inflite CF SLX (Size L)
- Fork: Canyon FK0114 CF Disc
- Cockpit: Canyon Aerocockpit CF Pro (Model CP0015)
- Stem Length: 120mm (Longer than standard)
- Bar Width: 410mm
The Fitter’s Note: Most stock “Large” bikes come with shorter stems today. Mathieu uses the older CP0015 mold to get a 120mm stem length paired with a 410mm width. This long, relatively wide setup gives him huge leverage for muscling the bike through sand while keeping his weight centered for traction.
Mathieu van der Poel 2025 Canyon Inflite
| Component | Specific Model | The Details |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Canyon Inflite CF SLX | Size Large (L) |
| Brakes | Shimano Dura-Ace BR-R9270 | Hydraulic Disc |
| Rotors | Shimano RT-CL900 | 140mm (Front & Rear) |
| Levers | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 ST-R9270 | 12-Speed |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 FD-R9250 | — |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 RD-R9250 | — |
| Crankset | Shimano Dura-Ace FC-R9200 | 172.5mm Length |
| Chainrings | Shimano Dura-Ace | 46/39T (Pro Service Course) |
| Cassette | Shimano Dura-Ace CS-R9200 | 11-30T |
| Chain | Shimano XTR / Dura-Ace CN-M9100 | 12-Speed |
| Wheelset | Shimano Dura-Ace C50 | Tubular Carbon |
| Tires | A. Dugast (33mm) | Rhino (Mud) / Pipisquallo (Sand) |
| Seatpost | Canyon S13 VCLS CF | Carbon |
| Saddle | Selle Italia Flite Boost | MVDP Edition (White) |
| Pedals | Shimano XTR PD-M9100 | SPD (Short Axle) |
The Drivetrain Details
1. The Pro-Only Gearing
You cannot buy Mathieu’s gearing off the shelf. He runs a 46/39T front chainring combination on his 172.5mm cranks.
- Why? The 39T inner ring allows him to stay in the big ring longer on false flats, while the 46T outer is smaller than a road compact (50T), making it perfect for the high-torque, low-speed nature of CX.
- The Cassette: He pairs this with a 11-30T CS-R9200 cassette, prioritizing tight gear steps over massive range.
2. The Chain Choice
Note the use of the CN-M9100 chain. This is technically the XTR (mountain bike) chain, which shares the same DNA as the Dura-Ace 12-speed. It is chosen for its mud-shedding capabilities and durability under high torque.
3. The 140mm Rotors
While many amateur riders run 160mm rotors for stopping power, MVDP runs 140mm front and rear (Shimano RT-CL900). This saves weight and reduces the rotational mass, which helps with the constant acceleration out of corners in cyclocross.
- BUY THE PEDALS: Shimano XTR PD-M9100 — The only pedal that clears mud reliably.
- GET THE GRIP: A. Dugast Tubulars — The same tires MVDP uses to crush the sand.
- RIDE THE SADDLE: Selle Italia Flite Boost MVDP — His signature white edition.
The Verdict: Built to Fend Off the Sharks
Mathieu van der Poel is not guessing with his gear. When you are a 7-time World Champion, you don’t experiment; you execute. His setup for 2025 is a masterclass in “don’t fix what isn’t broken.”
But the 2025/26 season won’t be a parade lap.
While Mathieu has the experience and the machine, the waters are getting dangerous. The eternal rival Wout van Aert is always a threat, but the real disruptor this year is the “Young Shark,” Thibau Nys. Nys has the explosive power, the technical skills, and the youthful arrogance to challenge the established hierarchy.
If you want to witness these battles live, make sure you have the [2025/2026 Cyclocross Broadcast Schedule & VPN Guide] bookmarked.
Mathieu has responded not with gimmicks, but with absolute reliability. He has chosen the Canyon Inflite CF SLX bike setup Size L, stable handling, and 12-speed mechanical perfection designed to survive the war, not just win the battle.