Wout van Aert heads into the 2024-2025 cyclo-cross season with minimal preparation, largely due to his busy road racing calendar. After an intense road season, including the Tour de France and other high-profile events, van Aert has had limited time to train specifically for cyclo-cross. This shortened preparation could affect his early performances, as cyclo-cross demands a unique set of skills, including sharp handling, short bursts of power, and navigating difficult terrain.
Van Aert’s focus in recent months has been on his road racing career with Jumbo-Visma, where he competes in major classics and grand tours. While he remains one of the most versatile riders in the world, his cyclo-cross training has taken a backseat to his road ambitions. Despite this, van Aert has always been a strong competitor in cyclo-cross, with multiple World Championships and major victories under his belt. His natural talent and experience could help him compensate for the lack of specific cyclo-cross preparation.
In previous seasons, van Aert has managed to perform at a high level even with limited cyclo-cross training, relying on his strong fitness and racing instincts. However, his primary rival, Mathieu van der Poel, has also been in excellent form, meaning the competition will be tough from the outset. Van Aert’s early races may serve as a way to rebuild his cyclo-cross rhythm and sharpen his technical skills as he looks toward bigger objectives later in the season, such as the World Championships.
Ultimately, while van Aert might not be at his peak immediately, his long-term goals and adaptability could see him grow stronger as the season progresses, making him a serious contender as he builds momentum.
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