Cyclo-cross Rivals Van der Poel and Van Aert Set for Anticipated Showdown in Loenhout

After illness sidelined Van Aert, he returns to face Van der Poel, who aims to extend his dominant season and pursue a historic seventh world title.

Wout Van Aert will compete in his first cyclo-cross race of the season today in Loenhout, following a brief illness that kept him out of earlier events.
Mathieu Van der Poel has started his season with three consecutive victories, including a commanding win at the Gavere World Cup race on December 26.
Van der Poel is targeting Erik De Vlaeminck's record of seven cyclo-cross world titles, while Van Aert has expressed modest ambitions, focusing on preparation for the road cycling season.
The two rivals have faced each other 145 times in elite cyclo-cross races, with Van der Poel leading their head-to-head record with 99 victories to Van Aert's 44.
This season, the duo is only scheduled to meet in three races, with Van der Poel planning to compete at the World Championships in February without Van Aert.