He called me last night to ask if he could start” – Belgian national coach reveals inside story on Wout van Aert’s last minute CX World Championship call up

Wout van Aert’s unexpected inclusion in the 2025 Cyclocross World Championships in Liévin was a dramatic turn of events that unfolded just days before the race. Initially, the Belgian star had ruled out participating, focusing instead on his road season and recovery from a knee injury sustained at the Vuelta a España. However, a pivotal phone call to Belgian national coach Angelo De Clercq changed everything.

The Turning Point

According to De Clercq, after the Dendermonde race, he had broached the subject with Van Aert, sensing a slight hesitation in his response. He left the door open, suggesting that Van Aert could decide after the Maasmechelen race. It was after that event that Van Aert reached out, expressing his desire to race in Liévin. De Clercq recalled, “He called me last night to ask if he could start after all.” This late request led to the Belgian team leaving the ninth spot open in their initial lineup, anticipating Van Aert’s potential participation.

Team Support and Preparation

Van Aert’s decision was met with support from both his national team and his road team, Visma-Lease a Bike. His team expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Motivated by his passion for the sport, Wout expressed his strong desire to be on the start line. After careful discussions, we fully support his decision and can’t wait to watch him give it his all at the worlds.” Despite the late entry, Van Aert felt confident, noting, “I’m feeling good, and my winter has gone well. The World Championships only recently came into my mind and after Maasmechelen the Belgian team coach, my coach at Team Visma | Lease a Bike and I decided to compete. I am excited to start in such a beautiful race, and I think that this extra boost is doing me good in the lead-up to bigger goals on the road.”

The Race and Aftermath

Starting from the fourth row due to his late entry, Van Aert faced significant challenges. National coach De Clercq acknowledged that this starting position made a competitive race against rival Mathieu van der Poel difficult, stating, “Starting from the fourth row makes things very difficult. The difference between starting from the second or third row is huge.” Despite these challenges, Van Aert secured a commendable second-place finish.

The decision to include Van Aert sparked mixed reactions within the Belgian cycling community. Rider Jens Adams expressed his frustration, feeling blindsided by the late change. He remarked, “It came as a complete surprise… A bit sour,” highlighting the lack of transparency in the selection process.

Strategic Implications

Some commentators speculated that Van Aert’s late entry might have been a strategic move to unsettle Van der Poel’s confidence. Pim Ronhaar suggested, “It was perhaps a small mental tap,” indicating that Van Aert’s participation could have been intended to add pressure on his rival.

In summary, Wout van Aert’s last-minute inclusion in the 2025 Cyclocross World Championships was a testament to his passion and commitment to the sport. While the decision was unconventional and met with some criticism, it underscored the unpredictable nature of elite sports and the enduring rivalry between two of cyclocross’s finest athletes.