At Alpecin-Deceuninck, they watch in awe as Van der Poel chases records and pushes through pain ahead of World Championships

Cyclo-cross
Sunday, 02 February 2025 at 16:52
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Ever since Wout van Aert confirmed he’ll be racing at the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Liévin, France, on Sunday, Belgium has been in a frenzy. Fans and analysts alike are rushing to argue that Van Aert really has a shot against the overwhelming favorite, Mathieu van der Poel. But while Van Aert’s talent is undeniable, Van der Poel seems to have (more of) the crowd on his side as he chases a record-breaking seventh world title.

After his last race in Maasmechelen last Saturday, Van Aert wasn’t even sure if he would compete, but on Sunday, he confirmed it. Since then, the big question has been: does he have a chance against Van der Poel, and if so, where? According to Thijs Zonneveld, a popular Dutch journalist, it’s already a victory that Van Aert is even daring to take on the challenge. Dutch cyclo-cross rider Pim Ronhaar called it "a mental blow" for Van der Poel, and others have said the course in Liévin should suit the Belgian. Additionally, Sven Nys believes that Van Aert has the power to match Van der Poel.

So, plenty of opinions. And outspoken cyclo-cross analyst Paul Herygers added another one on Sporza. "Saying that Wout van Aert will beat Van der Poel on Sunday, that's not something you should say right now. That might make you look a bit ridiculous. But if you say that Van Aert can beat Mathieu van der Poel, that's a different story. Thanks to his participation, we have someone in the Belgian team who doesn’t fear Van der Poel. Though Van Aert has yet to prove that in the results."

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Wout van Aert during the cyclo-cross race in Maasmechelen

Herygers believes Van Aert is Van der Poel's equal

"I think Van der Poel is feeling a bit of pressure too. Because Van Aert has proven time and again that he can match him," Herygers says. "Three times, he’s taken the world title right out from under Van der Poel. Without Wout, Mathieu would already be chasing his 10th rainbow jersey. But whether Van Aert can keep up with him this time? That’s the big question. Everything suggests he just might."

At the end of the day, what everyone wants is a real showdown. No mechanical failures, no slip-ups — just a duel. And if Van der Poel wins, even Belgium won’t begrudge him the victory. That’s because, as Het Nieuwsblad points out, Van der Poel has the likeability factor, that fan appeal that means everyone can appreciate his talent. According to whom? Christoph Roodhooft, his team manager at Alpecin-Deceuninck. Because what is the goal? Indeed, equaling the seven world titles of the late Belgian Erik De Vlaeminck.

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Van der Poel pulls off heroics with a broken rib in Hoogerheide

Roodhooft respects Van der Poel’s drive and pain threshold

"Erik would have been a fan of Mathieu, Roodhooft says. "No doubt about it. Mathieu is exactly the kind of rider he envisioned for the future of cyclo-cross — a modern athlete with both endurance and technical skill, competing at the highest level in multiple disciplines. He would have loved it." As for Van der Poel's chances of making history? "Well, I think he already has. But if he wins this one, it’ll just add to it. Let's not forget, everyone who's in cyclo-cross today, myself included, grew up thinking nobody would ever come close to Erik De Vlaeminck’s seven world titles. It seemed impossible."

Yet, on Sunday, that record could be equaled—and Van der Poel is doing it while racing with a broken rib. "There were doubts last week about whether Mathieu could even start in Maasmechelen and Hoogerheide. In the end, he did. Was I surprised that he won immediately? Actually, yes. He hadn’t trained on his cyclo-cross bike at all leading up to the race—only on the road. He was completely unprepared. That he could still win on such demanding courses, without making mistakes, is truly remarkable," said his coach in an interview with De Telegraaf.

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Van der Poel won’t underestimate Van Aert

What does Roodhooft think about the rivalry with Wout van Aert? Could the Belgian pose a real threat to Van der Poel on Sunday? "It’s never a good idea to underestimate your opponents, and Mathieu won’t make that mistake. On this course, if you give up even the slightest margin, anything can happen. We know the circuit well—it has hosted major races in the past, including a European Championship."

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