For the history booksCanyon Inflite from world championship record winner Van der Poel

Julian Schultz

 · 02.02.2026

With this Inflite CFR from Canyon, Mathieu van der Poel goes on a record-breaking ride at the Cross World Championships.
With his eighth title at the Cyclocross World Championships, Mathieu van der Poel has become the sole record winner. As in his previous successes, the Dutchman rode an Inflite CFR from Canyon. TOUR introduces the cyclocross specialist.

Van der Poel's machine is based on the lightest cyclocross chassis from the Koblenz-based company, which calls its own high-end programme Canyon Factory Racing (CFR). Canyon quotes a weight of 1070 grams for the frame in medium frame size M. As with his road bike, the Aeroad CFR, Van der Poel rode a size L frame. The total weight of the Inflite CFR should be around 7.3 kilograms.



MvdP" also relied on tried-and-tested drivetrains by changing gears with Shimano's Dura-Ace. His rivals, such as Belgian co-favourite Thibau Nys, son of previous World Cup record winner Sven Nys and third in the World Championship race, also rode with nominal road gear groups. Unlike many of his rivals, however, Van der Poel rode a double version - with the smallest possible chainring combination of 46/39 teeth, as Canyon announced on enquiry. A cassette with 11-30 teeth was bolted to the rear wheel.

Top favourite Mathieu van der Poel got in the mood for the World Championship race with a training run on Friday.Photo: CanyonTop favourite Mathieu van der Poel got in the mood for the World Championship race with a training run on Friday.

In keeping with the motto "If you brake, you lose", the potential record bike was fitted with small 140-millimetre brake discs. When it came to tyres, the cyclocross dominator opted for rubber from Dugast, which has belonged to the Italian manufacturer Vittoria for several years. Van der Poel rode a tubular tyre, which is now extinct in the World Tour peloton.

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The Inflite CFR from Van der Poel in detail

  • Frame: Canyon Inflite CFR (size L)
  • Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace (2x12; 46/39, 11-30 t.)
  • Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace (140 mm)
  • Tyres: Dugast (33 mm)
  • Impellers: Shimano Dura-Ace C50
  • Handlebars: Canyon Aerocockpit CF Pro (410 mm, 120 mm)
  • Saddle: Selle Italia Flite Boost Kit Carbonio Superflow MVDP
  • Pedals: Shimano XTR 9100
  • Weight: approx. 7.3 kilogrammes

Julian Schultz is a qualified sports scientist and trained sports journalist and is responsible for testing complete bikes. From competition bikes to gravel bikes, he tests the latest models and keeps his eyes open for the latest trends. This includes the Tour de France, where the test editor has been on the lookout for technical details and stories from the paddock since 2022.

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