The real difference between Van Aert & Van der Poel? Belgian expert draws a sharp line: "We call having children a burden for a pro – Mathieu is living carefree in Spain”

For years, Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel have stood as two of the defining forces in modern cycling — rivals at the very top level, both capable of blowing races apart. While Van Aert remains one of the sport’s most complete riders, the biggest one-day victories have recently swung more often towards Van der Poel.

And in the eyes of Belgian expert Jose De Cauwer, there’s a particular — and sensitive — explanation behind that shift.

Speaking on the podcast De Grote Plaat, De Cauwer argued that the current culture in cycling leaves little room for family life at the very highest level.

According to him, the sport’s rapid professionalisation has created an environment where having children is almost considered a disadvantage for a cyclist. As he put it: “It’s reached the point where we call having children a burden for a pro rider. People say it’s better not to have kids. And yes, children can make you ill… And then it’s about Van der Poel and Van Aert as well. That’s part of the story, because Mathieu is constantly living carefree in Spain.”

In other words, De Cauwer sees a clear contrast in how the two stars are able to structure their lives, and believes that difference may have performance consequences.

His warning went beyond Van Aert and Van der Poel. De Cauwer fears that the same mentality is burning out young riders before they reach their peak.

“We really need to be careful with the youth. Among the Belgians, we’ve had talented juniors and U23 riders who’ve quit the sport. Dieticians and coaches have too much influence. The focus is too rarely on racing itself. The organisations need to realise that cycling is also something riders experience emotionally.”

For him, the problem is not just training numbers and race schedules, but a loss of joy and personality along the way.

To illustrate that balance still matters, he cited Thymen Arensman, who radically changed his approach in 2025 and went on to win two Tour de France stages. “The mind has to find rest to get results in the end,” he said. “And that, in my opinion, is the story of Arensman.”

De Cauwer also linked this culture to big names stepping away sooner than expected. Ide Schelling was one example he mentioned, before turning to a former Grand Tour winner. “I also listened to your podcast with Ide Schelling. I find it a shame to hear. Cycling remains his passion, but no longer as a pro. Or take Tom Dumoulin: he has missed out on six, seven million euros. By stopping three or four years too early. He will never earn that amount again.”

De Cauwer finished with a broader warning to the UCI, arguing that escalating race difficulty is pushing riders to extremes.

“Keep living. The UCI also has a responsibility regarding rider health and work ethic. The Tour de France had 5,400 metres of elevation. That’s simply too much. Races have become far too hard. The UCI should give Grand Tours a framework to ensure a broader type of rider can make the start line.”

From the rivalry between Van der Poel and Van Aert to the choices facing young pros, De Cauwer’s message is the same: the sport is demanding ever more – and something, or someone, is going to break.