Van der Poel and Van Aert are "icing on the cake," but also reason for precautionary measures

Next week, it’s finally happening! On the first Monday of the Christmas vacation, we will witness the first cyclo-cross duel of this winter between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. Mol, Belgium has the honor of hosting the two, although Van der Poel will return to competition one day earlier in Zonhoven. Race organizer Erwin Vervecken explains to IDLProCyling.com what it means to host the first clash between the two stars.

Vervecken is responsible for many cyclo-cross events on behalf of sports event management company Golazo. Last year, he hosted Van der Poel's return in Herentals, Van Aert's hometown in Belgium, where he had to do without both riders this season last Saturday. "There’s a difference. If Wout and Mathieu line up at the starting line, it makes a serious impact," says the former cyclo-cross world champion.

"In Mol, we’re really expecting a full house, but of course, there are more factors at play: think of the weather, for example. But anyway, let’s not beat around the bush: their first race draws an incredible amount of media attention and spectators. We can’t deny that," Vervecken acknowledges. He emphasizes that it also makes a big difference whether one or both of the star riders are racing, which he knows from experience. "It’s really the duel that attracts a lot of people. If it's just Mathieu, like last year, that doesn’t immediately make the difference. But if they’re both there, that really changes things."

For a long time, there were rumors that Van der Poel would opt for a limited cyclo-cross campaign this winter, but he ultimately announced a program of eleven races. How did that news land with organizers like Vervecken? "At first, we also heard some rumors that they would only race in January, so we were pleasantly surprised," he says. "It also splits the season nicely into two halves. We can’t complain about the excitement and media attention during the races, and then halfway through the season, we get a little icing on the cake. That’s nice."

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Last year, it was already very busy in Mol

Vervecken: "We will need to take extra precautions"

Speaking to Sporza on Saturday, Vervecken delved deeper into the chaos he expects on Monday in Mol, where the two stars also faced each other for the first time last year. "We’re very happy that the first showdown is with us again. Mol is a course that they both really like. It’s not very tough, mostly technical," the Belgian explains. However, precautions need to be taken. "We will have to make extra provisions, for example, for parking. Wout and Mathieu often bring additional crowds. It’s going to be packed in Mol."

Finally, what does Vervecken, with his expert eye, expect from the return of the titans? "Wout injured himself in early September, so his preparation wasn’t perfect. It will be interesting to see what his level is. We know Mathieu will be very good. Hopefully, they’ll be able to stay close to each other, at a similar level. Then we’ll have a very exciting Christmas period," Vervecken concludes.

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