Six-time elite world cyclocross champion Mathieu van der Poel is predicted to peak later this cross season after dominating the World Cup spherical in Zonhoven.
Ranging from the third row, the 29-year-old burst by way of the surface of the pack and took the lead only one minute and 12 seconds into the race.
Van der Poel’s lead stretched all through the race to win by 1:30, as fellow multi-discipline rider Thibau Nys (Baloise Trek Lions) was left chasing alone behind.
Van der Poel completed his highway season with bronze on the world championships on the finish of September earlier than profitable the Gravel World Championship the next week.
The Dutch star is because of trip 11 occasions this cyclo-cross season, culminating within the World Championships in Lievin.
In the meantime, Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease A Bike) is not going to tackle his fierce rival at Mol tomorrow (Monday) as a result of sickness and is now scheduled to make his cyclocross debut at Loenhout on December 27.
Christoph Roodhooft, group supervisor of Alpecin-Deceuninck, stated that Van der Poel has taken a calmer method to his ‘cross marketing campaign this winter and solely accomplished two particular cyclocross periods earlier than heading into his first race.
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“He will not have been on the cross bike a lot but. He has solely included two particular cross coaching periods,” Roodhooft informed Wielerflits.
“That’s the consequence of that program and of being a highway bicycle owner. By the point it will get to the purpose the place it turns into actually essential, he will probably be on the similar stage.”
Van der Poel is predicted to as soon as once more mix his cyclocross coaching together with his highway objectives after profitable each the Tour of Flanders and Paris Roubaix this marketing campaign.
“He has to coach by way of the cross for what’s coming in March and April,” added Roodhooft.
“You need to make the puzzle match collectively, that is all that has to occur within the cross.”
Van der Poel shocked himself by profitable his maiden ‘cross race of the marketing campaign by such an enormous margin following a distinct coaching method.
“It was the most effective (first ‘cross races again) and one which I didn’t count on, it’s very nice.”
“I did a distinct method to my first race, rather less interval and extra endurance rides to attempt to get by way of this busy interval a bit more energizing than I did final yr.
“I felt actually good from the start and the method was actually good really, so I’m pleased.”
Van Aert has a distinct cyclocross programme this winter and was as a result of face Van der Poel for the primary time in Mol tomorrow.
Nevertheless, Van Aert has pulled out of the race as a result of sickness, in keeping with his group.
“Sadly, Wout van Aert has fallen in poor health and won’t get better in time for tomorrow’s race in Mol. We want him a speedy restoration and hope to see him again in motion quickly,” Visma-Lease A Bike posted on social media.
Reacting to the information that rival Van Aert is not going to be on the start-line alongside him on the Superprestige occasion in Mol, Van der Poel stated: “I’m very unhappy that Wout received’t be beginning tomorrow (in Mol).
“I might have actually appreciated to have raced towards him. I’m unhappy that he’s not there tomorrow.
“I believe Wout is at all times a pleasant opponent. It additionally brings quite a lot of additional folks (to look at their battle), in order that’s a disgrace.”
Van Aert now has 5 races remaining on his cyclocross calendar and is because of miss the World Championships in Lievin.
Speaking about Van der Poel’s method, Roodhooft added to Wielerflits,“Mathieu wished to make it an actual cross season, and never take three or 4 crosses after which name it quits.
“That was very clear from the start. It did not look like a good suggestion to show the entire winter the wrong way up, after which hardly do something with it.
“Now it has a sporting added worth, as a result of we’re additionally 100% satisfied that cyclocross makes him higher as a highway bicycle owner.
“It is not simply having enjoyable. This may contribute in the direction of the spring anyway.
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