Cycling fans eagerly anticipate the return of cyclocross icons Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, wondering if and when the two will face off again this season.
Both riders have recently completed rigorous road campaigns, and each has faced significant problems and accomplishments that may have an impact on their cyclocross preparations.
For van der Poel, the 2024 season has been a blur. He recently won his ninth overall rainbow jersey in gravel, capping up a successful year that included two Monument wins in the spring.
According to Het Nieuwsblad, the gravel world champion plans to compete in a half marathon in November, displaying his versatility. Van der Poel holds six cyclocross world titles.
van der Poel is just one title away from equalling the record held by Erik De Vlaeminck, a milestone that could bring him back to cyclocross this season. However, as last year proved, van der Poel’s participation is often a late decision; he only confirmed his cyclocross return in December.
Regarding van der Poel’s 2024 season goals, José De Cauwer stated in Sporza that he sees big opportunities for the Dutchman in the Tour de France in 2025. “In next year’s Tour, I see many of potential for punchers like Van der Poel and riders weighing more over 70 kg. Especially throughout the long first week. Many of those stages are labeled’sprint’, yet there are frequently climbs toward the finish of them.” Despite his decorated career, van der Poel only has one Tour de France stage win, which he got in 2021, and he’ll be anxious to improve that record.
According to de Leiderstrui, Belgian fans may see Van Aert return to action sooner. Van Aert’s 2024 season was difficult due to two major injuries, one in the spring and another received while leading the green and mountains jerseys in the Vuelta a España in September. Nonetheless, conjecture points to a possible earlier return than last year, when he began his cyclocross season on December 9th at the Exact Cross in Essen.
Currently, van Aert is focused on his rehabilitation, with recent Strava training sessions showing positive results. He, like van der Poel, hopes for a successful Tour de France in 2025, with the goal of winning his first stage since 2022.
As supporters wait for official announcements, the thought of seeing these two foes race once more on the cyclocross track remains exciting. Their comeback promises to electrify the cyclocross season, adding another chapter to their long-running rivalry.
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