They marvel as Van der Poel pushes through pain and seeks records at Alpecin-Deceuninck in preparation for the World Championships.

Belgium has been in a frenzy ever since Wout van Aert announced that he will be competing at the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Liévin, France, on Sunday. Both supporters and experts are racing to claim that Van Aert has a genuine chance to defeat Mathieu van der Poel, the clear favorite. However, Van der Poel appears to have (more of) the fans on his side as he attempts to win a record-breaking seventh world title, despite Van Aert’s evident brilliance.

Van Aert wasn’t even certain he would compete after his last race in Maasmechelen last Saturday, but he confirmed it on Sunday. The main query ever then has been whether he has a chance to defeat Van der Poel and, if so, where. The fact that Van Aert is even attempting to take on the challenge is already a triumph, according to well-known Dutch journalist Thijs Zonneveld. Others have suggested that the Liévin track should be suitable for the Belgian, while Dutch cyclocross racer Pim Ronhaar described it as “a mental blow” for Van der Poel. Furthermore, Sven Nys thinks Van Aert is capable of equaling Van der Poel.

There are many different viewpoints. Paul Herygers, an outspoken cyclo-cross expert, put another one on Sporza. “You shouldn’t say that Wout van Aert will defeat Van der Poel on Sunday at this time. You might appear a little goofy that way. It’s a different matter entirely if you assert that Van Aert is capable of defeating Mathieu van der Poel. We have a member of the Belgian team who doesn’t fear Van der Poel because of his involvement. However, Van Aert hasn’t shown that in the outcomes yet. According to Herygers, Van Aert is on par with Van der Poel.
“I believe Van der Poel is also under some strain. Since Van Aert has repeatedly shown that he is capable of matching him,” Herygers argues. He has snatched the world title away from Van der Poel three times. Mathieu would be vying for his tenth rainbow jersey without Wout. But this time, will Van Aert be able to keep up with him? The key question is that. Everything points to the possibility that he may.

Ultimately, a genuine showdown is what everyone desires. There will be no mistakes or mechanical issues—just a combat. Furthermore, even Belgium won’t be upset with Van der Poel if he prevails. According to Het Nieuwsblad, this is because Van der Poel possesses the likeability factor, or fan appeal, which enables everyone to recognize his talent. By whom? His team manager at Alpecin-Deceuninck is Christoph Roodhooft. For what reason? In fact, matching the late Belgian Erik De Vlaeminck’s seven world victories.

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