"He has already made serious steps" - Can Wout van Aert compete for victories this winter?

Team Visma | Lease a Bike has officially confirmed Wout van Aert’s much anticipated winter schedule, revealing that he will only participate in six cyclocross races this season. After a difficult year marked by his stage 16 crash at the Vuelta a Espana, this limited schedule raises questions about his readiness to compete at the highest level in cyclocross and what this means for his broader goals in 2025.

Van Aert, who hasn’t raced since his Vuelta crash, has been steadily working his way back into form. Despite the setbacks, optimism remains within the cycling community. Current cyclocross national coach Angelo De Clercq expressed confidence in Van Aert’s ability to bounce back.

“In three months, he has already made serious steps. He remains a top athlete, and I am convinced that he will be able to compete for the victory,” De Clercq stated, also to Het Nieuwsblad.

Van Aert’s decision to limit his cyclocross participation reflects his broader priorities, particularly his preparation for the road season. He will skip both the Belgian and World Championships to avoid unnecessary risks, a move that has drawn praise from analysts.

Cyclocross commentator Paul Herygers described Van Aert’s program as a "wise choice" for both the rider and the sport. “We should consider ourselves lucky with this. This is a nice program. These six races are a relief and breath of fresh air for many people. Wout could have chosen half, right?” Herygers told Sporza.

Though Van Aert’s focus is increasingly on the road, his cyclocross pedigree remains formidable. The three-time World Cyclocross Champion last claimed the rainbow jersey in 2018, and while he won’t compete in the World Championships this season, his participation is still a significant boost for the discipline.

Now cyclocross fans await to understand when the reining and undisputed champion Mathieu van der Poel will make his return to the field.