What is the reason for Van Aert's scarce cyclo-cross calendar? "There is a lot of logic involved"

The word is out: Wout van Aert will compete in six races this winter, as his team announced last week. Out of "pure love" for the sport, the man from Herentals will participate, but it seems increasingly likely that the cyclo-cross races are necessary for Van Aert and his great rival, Mathieu van der Poel. The latter probably competes in even fewer cyclo-cross events.

Niels Albert was shocked by the low number, as both men appeared much more often at the start of recent winters. In the Belgian outlet HLN he comments on Van Aert's calendar and secretly hopes to see his compatriot at the World Championships. "I was shocked when I heard about the winter program of Wout van Aert. Six cyclo-cross races that's not much. Even less than I expected."

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Lately, it was also often about Van Aert's knee, which prevented him from competing.

Albert sees that cyclo-cross is simply less prioritized: "He's not doing this for the money"

Love for the sport, in other words. Is that really the case? For one thing, Albert already doesn't think Van Aert is doing it for the starting money. 'Wout says that the interpretation of this campaign is one out of love for the sport. "Of course, he will also collect nice starting money, and the choice between certain races has relied on supply and demand, but the fact that he only rides six races proves that money is not the priority."

The analyst seems rather shocked that Van Aert chooses cyclo-cross less consciously. For example, he is skipping some that were a regular feature in recent years, such as Diegem. "His calendar also has a lot of logic with those three blocks of two races each. Starting with Mol and Loenhout shortly after the first team training camp, then taking a one-week break and two races before the second team training camp. To finish with two more races in the second half of January."

The only item left is the World Championship. Van Aert hasn't said anything about it yet, as if the event doesn't exist. Albert has his thoughts on that. "The door has been left ajar for the World Championship in Liévin. With Benidorm and Maasmechelen, he will ride one more World Cup race each in the two weekends before the World Championship. Is there a chance that, depending on how he feels in those two races after the second team training session, he may still give the green light for the World Championship?" The World Championship takes place in northern France, which offers many opportunities. "He certainly won't like all the hassle in the days before the World Championships, but now he can have breakfast at home in the morning and put the kids to bed in the evening."

Read also

Belgians speculate on Van Aert: from "You can't just get rid of that" to "He's going to be able to compete for the win"

An emotionally and financially difficult decision: "In this situation, there is only one solution: cancel"

Cyclo-cross rankings 2024/2025 | Van der Poel loses 2nd place in the UCI Ranking

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