What is the reason for Van Aert's scarce cyclo-cross calendar? "There is a lot of logic involved"

Niels Albert was shocked by the low number, as both men appeared much more often at the start of recent winters. In the Belgian outlet HLN he comments on Van Aert's calendar and secretly hopes to see his compatriot at the World Championships. "I was shocked when I heard about the winter program of Wout van Aert. Six cyclo-cross races that's not much. Even less than I expected."

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Love for the sport, in other words. Is that really the case? For one thing, Albert already doesn't think Van Aert is doing it for the starting money. 'Wout says that the interpretation of this campaign is one out of love for the sport. "Of course, he will also collect nice starting money, and the choice between certain races has relied on supply and demand, but the fact that he only rides six races proves that money is not the priority."

The analyst seems rather shocked that Van Aert chooses cyclo-cross less consciously. For example, he is skipping some that were a regular feature in recent years, such as Diegem. "His calendar also has a lot of logic with those three blocks of two races each. Starting with Mol and Loenhout shortly after the first team training camp, then taking a one-week break and two races before the second team training camp. To finish with two more races in the second half of January."

The only item left is the World Championship. Van Aert hasn't said anything about it yet, as if the event doesn't exist. Albert has his thoughts on that. "The door has been left ajar for the World Championship in Liévin. With Benidorm and Maasmechelen, he will ride one more World Cup race each in the two weekends before the World Championship. Is there a chance that, depending on how he feels in those two races after the second team training session, he may still give the green light for the World Championship?" The World Championship takes place in northern France, which offers many opportunities. "He certainly won't like all the hassle in the days before the World Championships, but now he can have breakfast at home in the morning and put the kids to bed in the evening."