What started as an analysis in a cyclo-cross guide grew into a statement that gained considerable resonance. Michel Wuyts spoke out about the future of cross country – more specifically about Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel – and that did not go unnoticed.
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Van Aert and Van der Poel back in the field
In the cyclo-cross guide of Het Laatste Nieuws, Wuyts looked ahead to the future of cross with his characteristic sharpness. According to him, “full-time cross riders are unique, after that move to other disciplines they are inferior to highly talented and smart peakers,” he summarizes. “An irreversible evolution?” Wuyts wondered out loud.
In addition, he still keeps a spark of hope alive. After all, the commentator does not rule out that Van der Poel and Van Aert will return to the mud full-time in the long term.
“I don’t think it’s impossible that in their twilight years, in about three years’ time, they will throw themselves into full swing for a few more winters. Just to feel the rush of the field arena. Until then, the cross will have to go through the valley in October and November,” he said.
Europe is listening
A statement that received a lot of resonance — and not only in the Belgian media. It goes without saying that this was also heard in the Netherlands, where the media picked it up sensitively. But it didn’t stop there either.
Although cyclo-cross is by no means an international sport – even within Europe it remains a niche – Wuyts’ statement still found its way abroad. The commentator’s quote appeared in both English-language and Spanish-language media. It says a lot about the appeal of Van Aert and Van der Poel – and about the hope of many that Wuyts will one day be right with his prediction.
