Wout van Aert set to return to cyclocross sooner than Mathieu van der Poel

Cycling fans eagerly await the return of cyclocross icons Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert to the field, wondering if and when the two might clash again in the discipline this season. Both riders are coming off intense road campaigns, each facing unique challenges and successes that may influence their cyclocross plans.

For van der Poel, the 2024 season has been a whirlwind. Recently, he clinched his eighth overall rainbow jersey in gravel, adding to an impressive year that saw him win two Monuments in the spring. Reports from Het Nieuwsblad even suggest that the gravel world champion is set to compete in a half marathon in November, further showcasing his versatility. With six cyclocross world titles to his name, van der Poel is just one title away from equalling the record held by Erik De Vlaeminck, a milestone that could bring him back to cyclocross this season. However, as last year proved, van der Poel’s participation is often a late decision; he only confirmed his cyclocross return in December.

Commenting on van der Poel's 2024 season aspirations, José De Cauwer noted in Sporza that he foresees great opportunities for the Dutchman at the Tour de France in 2025. “In next year's Tour I do see a lot of opportunities for punchers like Van der Poel and riders over 70 kilograms. Especially in that long first week. Many of those stages are labelled ‘sprint’, but there are often climbs towards the end of those stages.” Despite his decorated career, van der Poel still has just one Tour de France stage win, earned back in 2021, a statistic he’ll likely be eager to improve.

In de Leiderstrui have reported that Belgian fans may see van Aert back in action sooner. The Belgian had a difficult 2024 with two significant injuries, one in the spring and another sustained while leading both the green and mountains jerseys in the Vuelta a España this September, van Aert's 2024 season has been a challenging one. Still, speculation suggests a potentially earlier return than last year, when he began his cyclocross season on December 9th at the Exact Cross in Essen.

Currently, van Aert is focused on his recovery, with promising signs reported based on his recent Strava training sessions. Like van der Poel, he also has eyes set on a successful 2025 Tour de France, hoping to secure his first stage win since 2022.

As fans await official announcements, the prospect of seeing these two rivals compete once again on the cyclocross course remains thrilling. Their return promises to electrify the cyclocross season, adding yet another chapter to their storied rivalry.