Cycling fans eagerly anticipate the return of cyclocross icons Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, wondering if and when the two will face off again this season. Both riders have recently completed rigorous road campaigns, and each has faced significant problems and accomplishments that may have an impact on their cyclocross preparations.
For van der Poel, the 2024 season has been a blur. He recently won his ninth overall rainbow jersey in gravel, capping up a successful year that included two Monument wins in the spring. According to Het Nieuwsblad, the gravel world champion plans to compete in a half marathon in November, displaying 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 rehabilitation, with recent Strava training sessions showing positive results. He, like van der Poel, hopes for a successful Tour de France in 2025, with the goal of winning his first stage since 2022.
As supporters wait for official announcements, the thought of seeing these two foes race once more on the cyclocross track remains exciting. Their comeback promises to electrify the cyclocross season, adding another chapter to their long-running rivalry.
