"If they can be beaten, it's now, in those first races" - Niels Albert on van der Poel and van Aert's return; Tom Pidcock's absence from cyclocross season

Cycling
Wednesday, 18 December 2024 at 13:00
mathieuvanderpoel woutvanaert

Within the space of a few days we will have once again Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert racing in the cyclocross field. It is a set of races that have long been awaited, and sport legend Niels Albert believes that they can be beaten, but that would likely be in these first races if it's to happen.

"Those guys don't come when they're bad, right? I think Mathieu will have an advantage because Wout is recovering from an injury. But if they can be beaten, it's now, in those first races," Albert told Het Laatste Nieuws. "Of course, they're already thinking about spring. I'm already very happy with Mathieu's 11 cyclocrosses, I thought there would be fewer."

With riders such as Michael Vanthourenhout and Toon Aerts showing tremendous form in the hilly crosses, they could definitely pose a threat in such a race. In the faster ones Eli Iserbyt could potentially also be a match if he overcomes his current injury, whilst Thibau Nys is the more obvious choice - although he is still having the inconsistency that makes it difficult in several races.

Van Aert will race six events as of now, whilst van der Poel will tackle 11 including the World Championships where he aims for seventh rainbow jersey. "We can't change their choices. We can only enjoy them when they are there. They are actually giving themselves completely from now until the Road World Championship at the end of September, so I understand that they want some peace of mind at some point.”

Albert also commented on Tom Pidcock, who confirmed this week that he will not be racing cyclocross this winter, instead focusing on his switch to Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. If he is to do it next year however, he will be able to continue using the Pinarello bikes. “He is a world star, a former world champion as well. He is a great figure and always gives himself completely. The more battle, the more fun for the public. So he will definitely be missed. But it is his choice, we have to respect that," Albert concluded. 

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