After a period of fruitless waiting, both Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert presented their programs for this winter last week. The biggest difference: the Dutchman is – of course – driving the World Cup, but this is not the case with Van Aert.
READ ALSO:
Disillusionment Van der Poel? Father Adrie suddenly makes cross fans sweat
Failed charm offensive
However, they seem to have done their best in Hulst to also entice Kempen residents to participate. For example, co-organizer Bram De Brouwer said that the course is very different from the traditional Vestingscross in Hulst, and that is to the benefit of Van Aert.
“We assume that it is a course tailor-made for Wout,” De Brouwer clearly stated. “We don’t know his program yet, but we are making a warm appeal. He is more than welcome.”
In the meantime, his program is known, but no World Cup, despite the possibilities that might exist. Adrie van der Poel, father of Mathieu, also saw this: “The meadows can become very muddy when it rains, certainly something for Wout van Aert,” it sounded tempting. In other words: tough running lanes – especially when it has rained – a Belgian specialty.
Decision 99% made
The appeal from the Dutch organization was therefore to no avail, although Visma-Lease a Bike leaves the door – as they say – ‘just a small crack’. So we don’t seem to have much hope for Van Aert’s ultimate participation in the world championship.
Something that was also confirmed by national coach Angelo De Clercq: “Wout told me in a conversation that he will end his season after the Belgian Championship, to build up towards the classics on the road. From what I have heard, there appears to be little room for a World Cup,” he said.
Keep reading
