Cyclocross, Van Aert's return: "This remains my first love"

Rome, 21 December 2024 - Among his latest public appearances was in the Belgian edition of the TV show 'The Masked Singer' in the guise of a rock squirrel dancing to the rhythm of the song 'Song number 2' by Blur, among other things a self-deprecating reference to the many second places he has achieved in his career: now Wout van aert, after the bad fall suffered at 2024 lap and cost the withdrawal despite the green jersey now in the safe, he is ready to return to doing what he loves most, cyclocross. But with his sights already on the road  

Van Aert's statements

Attended a sponsor-related event Red Bull, the runner of the Visma-Lease a Bike he first returned to what happened in Spain. "After that fall it was difficult to find motivation. I took the time I needed to recover and I dedicated myself to my family, finding a lot of help". Fortunately, the worst is behind us and before thinking about the road Van Aert he will dedicate himself to cyclocross, but excluding through his coach his presence at the World Cup di Liévin. "Not much has changed in recent years: I simply do fewer races, but for me being in the mud in the winter is a ritual that sometimes comes to mind, even more so when I have to recover from an injury. For me, cyclocross is my second nature, as well as my first love, which I always return to with pleasure. The motivations are intrinsic: I have always wanted the best since I was a child and it is a desire that always comes back, whether you like it or not and it happens like this even when you don't race for weeks. I also credit the people around me, who make me see things from the right perspective". The fresh 30-year-old Van Aert shows wisdom, but also what the goals of the 2025 on the road. "I want to win the races I've always dreamed of. My main goals will remain the stages of the Tour de France , Paris-Roubaix and I will do everything I can to meet these appointments."

Vinokurov's statements on Cavendish

Meanwhile, once the time for post-retreat celebrations is over, the bond between Mark Cavendish el 'Astana Qazaqstan Team, as confirmed by the sports director Alexander Vinokurov to the microphones of CyclingNews. "We have a good relationship with him, a very important rider for us, but sometimes it's not easy to find a role in the team for everyone. Mark he didn't want to be a simple ambassador: he wanted decision-making powers and this was not possible. In any case, we will see what happens in the future". So, the door is ajar for a team that next year will be called XDS Astana and that will have important ambitions. "We want to keep the license World Tour and then from there build something important, like trying to hire riders to make the rankings in the Grand Tours. Our sponsors will help us, but it is a journey that takes time."

Read also - Val Gardena Downhill: Odermatt wins