We all celebrate the transition from old to new, and for the cycling fans among us this also means a nice spectacle on January 1 with De Grote Prijs Sven Nys. Although unfortunately we will not get a titanic duel between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert.
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New Year in Baal
The race in Baal on New Year’s Day nevertheless remains a fine tradition for cyclo-cross fans. Mathieu van der Poel and Thibau Nys will be there again this year, which, given their previous matches in recent weeks, could provide quite a spectacle and a nice viewing experience.
However, the field of participants is not completely complete: Tibor Del Grosso and Wout van Aert will not appear at the start, which certainly puts a dampener on the celebration, especially for the Kempen native.
Quality time
Last year Van Aert was present in Baal, but then he received a big blow from Van der Poel, with a deficit of almost two minutes. This year he will skip the New Year’s menu on the bike.
However, it is highly doubtful whether this has anything to do with the events of last year: the match was not on his program from the start. Presumably the biggest factor is that he wants to enjoy more with his family on New Year’s Eve.
Van Aert also skipped the match on Boxing Day in Gavere, in his own words because ‘the Christmas dinner could be a little more extensive’. That fact also seems to have an impact on New Year’s Day. This year, Van Aert is clearly opting for rest and quality time with his family, instead of the traditional cross-duel.
Nevertheless, the Grand Prix Sven Nys remains a highlight for the fans. With Van der Poel and Thibau Nys at the start, it promises to be an exciting battle, and January 1 will be a great time to start the new year with spectacular cyclo-cross fun. On January 2, we will welcome Van Aert again in Mol, with Van der Poel also on the starting line.
Worth a look
