Cyclocross World Championship 2023: Van Aert vs. van der Poel: Mud battle of the exceptional riders
DPA
· 03.02.2023
Click through the van Aert vs. van der Poel duel
Cyclocross World Championship 2023: Duel of the all-rounders in Hoogerheide
They were already duelling as teenagers, are probably the greatest all-rounders in cycling history and make the competition look like pitiful extras in their duels.
When the cyclocross season reaches its climax on Sunday with the Cyclocross World Championships in front of over 50,000 fans in Hoogerheide in the Netherlands, there will only be one question to answer: Wout van Aert or Mathieu van der Poel? Two years after the thrilling chase over the beach of Oostende, the Belgian and the Dutchman will battle it out for the rainbow jersey of the cyclocross world champion on the Brabantse Wal.
Cyclocross World Championship 2023 Hoogerheide: live stream, TV coverage & schedule
Friday, 3 February Team Relay (from 12:30)
Saturday, 4 February Junior Women's World Cup (11:00-12:00 at discovery+)
Saturday, 4 February Men U23 (13:00-14:15 at discovery+)
Saturday, 4 February Women's Elite (14:45-16:10 on discovery+ & on Eurosport 2)
Sunday, 5 February Men Juniors (11:00-12:00 at discovery+)
Sunday, 5 February Women U23 (13:00-14:10 at discovery+)
Sunday, 5 February Men's Elite (14:45-16:15 on discovery+ & Eurosport 2)
Van Aert slightly favoured in duel with van der Poel
"I don't necessarily need the world champion jersey. But it would be exciting to wear it again. It's been a while," says van Aert. The 28-year-old goes into this winter's cyclocross world championship duel with his rival of the same age slightly in favour. In 13 races, van Aert has taken nine victories and has never finished worse than second. Van der Poel rode one race more and finished on the podium twelve times - but only six of these were victories. In addition, the Dutchman has been repeatedly set back by back problems since his major crash in the mountain bike race at the Tokyo Olympics. "My chances are 50:50, Wout has been in front much more often this season," says van der Poel.
There is also a very special relationship between van der Poel and Hoogerheide and the Cyclocross World Championships. It is the birthplace of his father Adrie and the race is even named after the once very good cyclocross rider. And to take things to the extreme, Adrie van der Poel even planned and mapped out the World Championship course. Advantage for the junior? "No, that wouldn't work," assures dad van der Poel.
Year-round duel of the cycling stars
The special thing about the duel between van Aert and van der Poel in cyclocross is that it takes place practically all year round. While Tour winner Jonas Vingegaard subordinates his planning to the Tour de France in the summer or classics specialist John Degenkolb sees the cobblestone hell of Paris-Roubaix as his highlight, van Aert and van der Poel practically don't allow themselves a break. They are among the contenders for victory in the spring classics as well as in numerous stages of the Tour de France.
And in winter it continues, like now at the Cyclocross World Championships in Hoogerheide. As a relaxation exercise, so to speak. "These are the only races of the year where nothing is expected of me. I have a great time in the winter," says van Aert. Van Aert is a free spirit on the muddy courses, where he always rides for an hour at maximum heart rate. On the road, he often puts himself at the service of his team Jumbo-Visma - and still managed the almost absurd feat of winning a time trial, a sprint stage and a section in the high mountains at the Tour de France.
Cyclocross World Championship 2023: Duel with van Aert extra motivation for van der Poel
Van der Poel's role is different. He is the undisputed star of his team, everything revolves around the two-time winner of the Tour of Flanders. But these duels with van Aert are also the salt in the soup for the Belgian-born Dutchman, the extra motivation. Eleven years ago, just 17 years old, they raced in Koksijde for the World Cross Championship jersey for the first time. Back then, van der Poel won, and van Aert's face in the photos that are still popular today speaks volumes.
"We push each other to a higher level," emphasises van Aert. Two years later, the Belgian struck back in the U23 category. In the elite comparison, van der Poel is now 4:3 ahead. The relationship between the two superstars of the mud battles is characterised by cool respect. They don't necessarily go on holiday together, but they can't do without each other either. It should be a special celebration for van Aert to win his fourth cyclocross world title on a course set by van der Poel's father.
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