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.
Starting 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 street 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 experience 11 occasions this cyclo-cross season, culminating within the World Championships in Lievin.
Meanwhile, Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease A Bike) is not going to tackle his fierce rival at Mol tomorrow (Monday) as a consequence of sickness and is now scheduled to make his cyclocross debut at Loenhout on December 27.
Christoph Roodhooft, crew supervisor of Alpecin-Deceuninck, mentioned that Van der Poel has taken a calmer strategy 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 advised Wielerflits.
“That is the consequence of that program and of being a street bike owner. By the time it will get to the purpose the place it turns into actually essential, he shall be on the similar stage.”
Van der Poel is predicted to as soon as once more mix his cyclocross coaching together with his street 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 should 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 a giant margin following a distinct coaching strategy.
“It was among the best (first ‘cross races again) and one which I didn’t count on, it’s very nice.”
“I did a distinct strategy to my first race, rather less interval and extra endurance rides to try to get by way of this busy interval a bit brisker than I did final 12 months.
“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 consequence of face Van der Poel for the primary time in Mol tomorrow.
However, Van Aert has pulled out of the race as a consequence of sickness, in accordance with his crew.
“Unfortunately, Wout van Aert has fallen ailing and won’t get well 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 mentioned: “I’m very unhappy that Wout received’t be beginning tomorrow (in Mol).
“I might have actually appreciated to have raced in opposition to him. I’m unhappy that he’s not there tomorrow.
“I feel Wout is at all times a pleasant opponent. It additionally brings a variety 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.
Talking about Van der Poel’s strategy, Roodhooft added to Wielerflits,“Mathieu needed 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 other way up, after which hardly do something with it.
“Now it has a sporting added worth, as a result of we’re additionally one hundred pc satisfied that cyclocross makes him higher as a street bike owner.
“It’s not simply having enjoyable. This will contribute in direction of the spring anyway.
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