All of Belgium is rooting for Van Aert, but Van der Poel has the fan appeal: "Erik would have been a fan of Mathieu"

Ever since Wout van Aert confirmed he’ll be racing at the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Liévin, France, on Sunday, Belgium has been in a frenzy. Fans and analysts alike are rushing to argue that Van Aert really has a shot against the overwhelming favorite, Mathieu van der Poel. But while Van Aert’s talent is undeniable, Van der Poel seems to have (more of) the crowd on his side as he chases a record-breaking seventh world title.

After his last race in Maasmechelen last Saturday, Van Aert wasn’t even sure if he would compete, but on Sunday, he confirmed it. Since then, the big question has been: does he have a chance against Van der Poel, and if so, where? According to Thijs Zonneveld, a popular Dutch journalist, it’s already a victory that Van Aert is even daring to take on the challenge. Dutch cyclo-cross rider Pim Ronhaar called it "a mental blow" for Van der Poel, and others have said the course in Liévin should suit the Belgian. Additionally, Sven Nys believes that Van Aert has the power to match Van der Poel.

So, plenty of opinions. And outspoken cyclo-cross analyst Paul Herygers added another one on Sporza. "Saying that Wout van Aert will beat Van der Poel on Sunday, that's not something you should say right now. That might make you look a bit ridiculous. But if you say that Van Aert can beat Mathieu van der Poel, that's a different story. Thanks to his participation, we have someone in the Belgian team who doesn’t fear Van der Poel. Though Van Aert has yet to prove that in the results."

Read more below the photo.

Wout van Aert during the cyclo-cross race in Maasmechelen

Herygers believes Van Aert is Van der Poel's equal

"I think Van der Poel is feeling a bit of pressure too. Because Van Aert has proven time and again that he can match him," Herygers says. "Three times, he’s taken the world title right out from under Van der Poel. Without Wout, Mathieu would already be chasing his 10th rainbow jersey. But whether Van Aert can keep up with him this time? That’s the big question. Everything suggests he just might."

At the end of the day, what everyone wants is a real showdown. No mechanical failures, no slip-ups — just a duel. And if Van der Poel wins, even Belgium won’t begrudge him the victory. That’s because, as Het Nieuwsblad points out, Van der Poel has the likeability factor, that fan appeal that means everyone can appreciate his talent. According to whom? Christoph Roodhooft, his team manager at Alpecin-Deceuninck. Because what is the goal? Indeed, equaling the seven world titles of the late Belgian Erik De Vlaeminck.

"Erik would have been a fan of Mathieu, Roodhooft says. "No doubt about it. Mathieu is exactly the kind of rider he envisioned for the future of cyclo-cross — a modern athlete with both endurance and technical skill, competing at the highest level in multiple disciplines. He would have loved it." As for Van der Poel's chances of making history? "Well, I think he already has. But if he wins this one, it’ll just add to it. Let's not forget, everyone who's in cyclo-cross today, myself included, grew up thinking nobody would ever come close to Erik De Vlaeminck’s seven world titles. It seemed impossible."

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