Tim Merlier and Gianni Vermeersch join superstars Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert in cyclocross field

Cyclocross fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert to the field this winter. Van der Poel is set to chase a record-equalling seventh world title, but attention also turns to Tim Merlier and Gianni Vermeersch, who will both compete this season.

According to Het Laatste Nieuws, Merlier plans to race twice during the Christmas period. The sprinter, known for his explosive starts during his cyclo-cross days, is scheduled to compete in Loenhout on 27 December and Gullegem on 4 January. In both events, he will face his good friend Wout van Aert. While Merlier was previously linked to the Besançon World Cup, he has yet to be officially selected for that race.

Alpecin-Deceuninck will support Gianni Vermeersch in five cyclo-cross events this season. The 32-year-old will start his campaign in Loenhout alongside Merlier, and he will then race in Diegem’s evening cyclo-cross on 30 December, the sand classic in Koksijde on the 3rd January, and Gullegem on 4 January. Vermeersch will wrap up his season at the Belgian Championship in Heusden-Zolder on 12 January.

With Van der Poel and Van Aert headlining the season and Merlier and Vermeersch adding depth, this winter promises to deliver exciting cyclo-cross action.