Is Van Aert entering the cyclocross season at basic level? "For all we know, Wout might just ride even faster than last year."

'This is a program we devised together, so it's a well-thought-out plan. We've considered various factors, and it's challenging. In the winter, we want him to ride every cyclocross, and in the summer, they want to see him in every race, but that's not feasible,' shared Jumbo-Visma sport director Jan Boven in a previous interview with this website. 'The preparation is progressing well, and it will take some adjustment, but we had the same sentiment two years ago, and then he won in Boom with a two-minute lead. Essen is a race he has done before, and he enjoys it, so it's nice to be back in the field after some training,' added the optimistic 51-year-old off-road coach.

Mathieu Heijboer, the performance coach of the 'killer bees,' mentioned in an interview that Van Aert has only completed a few genuine cyclocross training sessions, with those workouts primarily serving as equipment tests. Such training is mainly to provide the mechanics the opportunity to make final adjustments to the bike. It also gives Wout the chance to reacquaint himself with his cyclocross bike. Heijboer further stated that cyclocross might be a slightly lower priority than usual for Van Aert. 'However, that doesn't mean Wout will start finishing fifteenth. Wout is someone who always aims to win,' he added.

As part of the premise described above, IDLProCycling.com spoke to another cyclocross rider from Herentals, namely Soete. "Over the past week, I trained with Wout a few times. He mentions himself that he is slightly below his form compared to last year, mainly because he engaged in slightly less cyclocross-specific training," he largely concurs with what Boven and Heijboer stated. "This is understandable as he aims to peak a little later in the season, particularly towards the spring. I believe that the first cyclocross race of the year is challenging for everyone anyway."

"But, for all we know, Wout might just ride even faster than last year," the almost 29-year-old Flemish cyclist said with a laugh. For instance, because he is a bit fresher at the start. However, he acknowledges that it might be less than last year. Thus, the past few weeks have mostly focused on Van Aert's 'basic level.' "With that foundational level, of course, he can easily win the cyclocross in Essen," said the smiling Soete. "That shouldn't be a problem. Even if some riders can keep up with him for half a race, which I already consider a long time, it should be possible. He usually has more in reserve at the end than the average cyclocross rider."

For Soete, it also means that he and his buddy will be at the start of a cyclocross race again on Saturday afternoon. However, he doesn't expect it to change much. "Everyone is working through their own race. Maybe we'll ride together for a while, and we can chat briefly, but I don't really anticipate that," he states, once again smiling broadly. "Wout sometimes dares to take me along in his wake, although that is often a bit too fast for me. Then I have to let go a little later."

During the conversation, it becomes increasingly evident that Soete and Van Aert are close friends - this conversation took place prior to the Cyclocross Rucphen. "In a regular cyclocross season, that happens more often. For example, two or three times a week. In the summer, he has a completely different schedule, and it's a bit more challenging. But when we are both at home, we regularly train together."