While Mathieu van der Poel has already stated his intention to seek an eighth rainbow jersey, Wout Van Aert has not yet made a decision regarding his participation. However, the Belgian coach hopes for an announcement in the next two weeks.
Wout Van Aert is waiting. After a difficult recovery in Antwerp with a seventh place, the rider from the Visma-Lease a Bike team showed a better face at Hofstade then at Heusden-Zolder despite his defeats against Mathieu van der Poel and Tibor del Grosso. While his third duel with the seven-time world champion is scheduled for this Sunday in Loenhout, the rest of the Belgian’s program remains uncertain. This concerns in particular a possible trip to Hulst on February 1 for the world championships. Even the coach of the Belgian team Angelo De Clercq does not know if he will be able to count on his headliner for the event.
Speaking to the Dutch-speaking daily The latest newshe concedes that “it is not totally excluded”. “He is important for us on a sporting level and he is a source of inspiration for young people,” he adds during this interview. I systematically take it into account for each selection. » As for a deadline for a decision by the native of Herentals, the Belgian coach assures that “around or after the Belgian championships, the decision will be made”. The latter taking place on January 11 in Beringen, Wout Van Aert should make his choice in the next two weeks. One factor to consider will be the Visma-Lease a Bike team’s preparation for the 2026 road season.
Van Aert not necessarily released by Visma-Lease a Bike
Indeed, the coach of the Belgian rider Mathieu Hejiboer who had affirmed to the press that “respecting the dates of (their) training courses with the road team” would be an imperative condition, calling for “no concessions” from the Dutch team. It is in this context that Wout Van Aert is expected in Spain from January 12 for two weeks of training. Conceding at the time that “the door is ajar” for the presence of the Belgian rider at the Cyclo-cross Worlds, the positions are not yet fixed and it is not certain that the native of Herentals will challenge Mathieu van der Poel on his land for the world title.
