This is Van Aert's cyclo-cross calender: "I’m incredibly excited to get back into the field and look forward to reconnecting with the fans"

This is what we've been waiting for all this time! Wout van Aert has finally revealed his cyclo-cross calendar for the winter. The multiple cyclo-cross world champion will compete in six races as part of his preparation for the road season in Mol (BE), Loenhout (BE), Gullegem (BE), Dendermonde (BE), Benidorm and Maasmechelen (BE). Unfortunately, however, he will not be at the start of the World Cup.

In the press release, Van Aert says that the cyclo-cross is still his "first love," which is why he enjoys returning every year. "This winter, we've opted for a compact schedule of six races that fit well into my training plan. It will be a cyclo-cross season I approach purely out of love for the sport, but with modest ambitions," the Belgian said.

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Top form comes later: "I'm incredibly excited to get back into the field"

Van Aert also points out that his recovery after the fall in the Vuelta, in which he suffered a severe knee injury, remains a priority even during the cyclo-cross winter. "After my crash in the Vuelta and my knee injury, it's essential to make the best use of the time I have to prepare for the road season," said the Visma l Lease a Bike rider.

The 30-year-old Belgian does not expect to be in top form during his first cyclo-cross in Mol. "That will be the first target to work toward, but I certainly won't reach my highest level there." So, Van Aert is tempering expectations. After Mol, there will be races in Loenhout, Gullegem, and Dendermonde. After that, he will leave for training camp.

After this training camp, Van Aert still has two cyclo-cross races in Benidorm and Maasmechelen on the calendar. "I expect to be in better condition there. I'm incredibly excited to get back into the field and look forward to reconnecting with the fans," he concluded. So Van Aert will not ride the cyclo-cross World Cup or any other championships, which means you could say that his cyclo-cross winter is mainly focused on the road.

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