Six-time elite world cyclocross champion Mathieu van der Poel is anticipated 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 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 journey 11 occasions this cyclo-cross season, culminating within the World Championships in Lievin.
In the meantime, Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease A Bike) won’t tackle his fierce rival at Mol tomorrow (Monday) because of sickness and is now scheduled to make his cyclocross debut at Loenhout on December 27.
Christoph Roodhooft, group 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 informed Wielerflits.
“That’s the consequence of that program and of being a street bike owner. By the point it will get to the purpose the place it turns into actually necessary, he shall be on the identical stage.”
Van der Poel is anticipated to as soon as once more mix his cyclocross coaching along with his street targets 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.
“It’s a must 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 a giant margin following a special coaching strategy.
“It was the most effective (first ‘cross races again) and one which I didn’t anticipate, it’s very nice.”
“I did a special strategy to my first race, rather less interval and extra endurance rides to attempt to get by way of this busy interval a bit brisker than I did final yr.
“I felt actually good from the start and the method was actually good truly, so I’m blissful.”
Van Aert has a special cyclocross programme this winter and was because of face Van der Poel for the primary time in Mol tomorrow.
Nevertheless, Van Aert has pulled out of the race because of sickness, based on his group.
“Sadly, Wout van Aert has fallen ailing and won’t recuperate 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 won’t 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’d have actually favored 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 loads of additional individuals (to observe 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 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 seem to be 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 one hundred pc satisfied that cyclocross makes him higher as a street bike owner.
“It isn’t simply having enjoyable. This may contribute in the direction of the spring anyway.
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