Van Aert and van der Poel battle "50-50" according to former World Champion Zdenek Stybar

Today is the day for the Cyclocross World Championships to climax. It is the men's Elite race that has attracted the most attention. Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert will be fighting for the gold medal, and former World Champion Zdenek Stybar has analyzed the two ahead of the race.

“It’s 50-50. They are very equal and they are so strong. I am sure Van der Poel is peaking for the worlds, but Van Aert will be peaking as well. It will be an interesting race," Stybar told VeloNews at the Saudi Tour where he assisted Dylan Groenewegen to conquer a stage. However his past has heavily featured cyclocross, which he continues to follow closely to this day.

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The fast track has seen conditions change over the past day, with some rain falling and making the circuit more slippery and less fast. However, both come in with their best form towards the main event, and it doesn't seem like there is a clear contender to take the rainbow jersey.

“It will be very exciting. In 2014 I won on that circuit, and I have great memories. I am curious who can win. It can be muddy or fast, with a lot of running. It depends on the weather. It is amazing how they are racing. It is a big show for the spectators," Stybar assures.

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"Everyone is enjoying watching them. I am happy to see it, and I hoping they will be a little tired for the classics," he jokes, having to go head-to-head with them later this spring in the cobbled classics.

“They are showing the way to the young guys they can combine cyclocross and the road season. They are improving their shape for road racing. They go for it, and they start later with the season at Strade Bianche. That’s a good move for them to take it a little easier after the worlds and the classics," Stybar concluded.

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ONE. DAY. TO. GO. Can't wait for the action to start, Hoogerheide! 🌈🥇 #Hoogerheide2023

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