Every winter, the cyclo-cross programs of Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert are closely scrutinized to find out where the two monsters of the discipline will cross paths.
During the 2024-2025 cyclo-cross season, Mathieu van der Poel et Wout van Aert will meet four times. The Belgian of Visma-Lease a Bike was the first to reveal its program with “only” 6 races. It will resume at Mol on December 23 while the World Champion team Alpecin-Deceuninck will resume the day before, the 22nd, at Zonhoven. The Dutchman has a denser calendar with 11 races including a major objective: the World Championships in Liévin on February 2.
The 4 confrontations between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert
The 2024-2025 cyclo-cross season will be marked by four confrontations between Mathieu van der Poel et Wout van Aertthe two best enemies. December 23 is Mol that the two extraterrestrials of the discipline will meet again on the occasion of Super prestige. Their second meeting will take place a few days later during the round of theExact Cross has Loenhout on December 27. Then there will be two races left in January with the World Cup of Dendermonde January 5 and Maasmechelen on January 25.
- December 23: Mol – Zilvermeercross (Belgique) / Telenet Super prestige
- December 27: Loenhout – Azencross (Belgium) / Exact Cross
- January 5: Dendermonde (Belgium) / World Cup
- January 25: Maasmechelen (Belgium) / World Cup
Wout van Aert vs Mathieu van der Poel: A historic rivalry between mud and bitumen
From their first jousts in the undergrowth to sprints on the greatest classics, Wout van Aert et Mathieu van der Poel embody one of the most exciting rivalries in cycling history. These two runners, born only a few months apart, left their mark with their talent, their versatility and their fierce competitiveness.
The story begins in the junior categories, where the names of Wout van Aert et Mathieu van der Poel quickly emerge as those of prodigies. Van der Poelson of the Dutch runner Adrie van der Poel and grandson of Raymond Poulidorshows his technical ease and explosiveness very early on. In front, Van Aertthe Belgian, seduced by his raw power.
From their first confrontations in cyclo-crossthe battle is close. Between 2012 and 2014, the two competed regularly in the Junior and U23 World Championships. Mathieu van der Poel often wins thanks to his panache, but Wout van Aert responds with its consistency and its ability to dominate on the most demanding courses. Over the years, this rivalry becomes the common thread of the winter seasons, offering spectators unforgettable duels in sometimes apocalyptic conditions. The scene is set: each race is a mental and physical battle where no one wants to give in.
A rivalry that elevates cycling
Their clashes go well beyond results. Wout van Aert et Mathieu van der Poel embody a new generation of versatile riders, capable of shining in almost all disciplines: cyclo-cross, classics, grand tours and even time trials. Their constant presence at the head of races pushes their opponents to surpass themselves and redefines the standards of modern cycling.
If their rivalry can sometimes seem intense, it is also based on mutual respect. In numerous interviews, the two champions recognize that their rivalry is a driving force for progress. As once said Van Aert : “Mathieu pushes me to be better, and I hope to return the favor. »
