Key Takeaways:
– Cyclocross’ top series already underway, with stars like Eli Iserbyt and Fem van Empel racing and winning.
– Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert have yet to return to action; training ongoing in Spain.
– Van Aert is expected to make a comeback by end of December, while Van der Poel’s plans are uncertain.
– Cyclocross ex-professionals predict the duo’s return with less racing activity towards the end of the year.
Racing Season Underway
The 2024-25 Cyclocross season has picked up momentum, with the commencement of top series like the Superprestige, X2O Trofee, and Exact Cross. As participation and victories have resumed for star players such as Eli Iserbyt, Fem van Empel, Thibau Nys, and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, cyclocross enthusiasts eagerly await the return of the sport’s superstars, Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert.
Training Days in Spain
Following the conclusion of their 2024 road seasons, both Van der Poel and Van Aert have been training in Spain. Known for sweeping the gravel world championships and clinching bronze at the Road Worlds, Van der Poel has been practising alongside gravel racer Freddy Ovett. Meanwhile, Van Aert, absent from races since his Vuelta a España crash, logged a 127km ride in the hills north of Benidorm with a 2,000 meter elevation.
Past Cyclocross Seasons and Future Expectations
Traditionally fixtures of the cyclocross season from September or October through to February, the pair have shifted their participation to late November or early December in recent seasons, preferring road campaigns.
Whilst Van Aert’s return is not expected before the end of December following a Visma-Lease a Bike training camp, the timing of Van der Poel’s return remains unclear. As we entered October, the Dutch champ mentioned the likelihood of cyclocross racing in the winter was still undecided.
The Return Anticipation and Predictions from Ex-pros
Despite their participatory uncertainty, several ex-pros gave their thoughts on the duo’s return. Mario De Clercq, the Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal directeur sportif and three-time world champion, predicted their return before 2025 commences.
Bart Wellens and Niels Albert, both double world champions, echoed similar sentiments. Van der Poel and Van Aert not participating in many races due to the time clash between end-December and the Cyclocross Worlds in Liévin on February 2, was brought up by Wellens. However, they agreed on the pair’s significant contribution to the atmosphere and competitiveness of cyclocross races.
Respectively serving as the DS at Intermarché-Wanty and cyclocross coach, they highlighted that both Van der Poel and Van Aert have built their reputations on cyclocross and would likely want to return to the sport.
In summary, the cyclocross community speculates on the return of Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. Whether it’s a double world champion former racer, or current racers like Thibau Nys, the consensus is hopeful for a return of the pair to the sport that kick-started their careers. Despite changes in racing plans and calendar clashes, their return should inject renewed vigor into the already lively cyclocross season.