Just like in recent years, the Belgian leader of Team Visma | Lease a Bike will return to cyclocross during the Christmas period and the start of the new year. It’s a comeback that Van Aert holds dear. “The Christmas period is a phase of the cyclocross season that I always enjoy being part of,” Van Aert explains. “Because of the races themselves, the large numbers of supporters who come thanks to the holidays, and the fact that these races fit perfectly into my build-up towards the major spring classics on the road.”

In addition to the World Cup races in Antwerp (20/12), Dendermonde (28/12), and Zonhoven (4/1), the X²O Trophy races in Hofstade (22/12) and Loenhout (29/12), the Superprestige round in Heusden-Zolder (23/12), and the Exact Cross in Mol (2/1), Van Aert will also start the Belgian Championships in Beringen (11/1). “A championship jersey is always motivating,” says the five-time Belgian cyclo-cross champion. “It has been a while since I was able to start there, so I’m happy it fits into my schedule now. I’m looking forward to giving my best there and in the other races, and to meeting the supporters again.”