Wout van Aert's Cyclocross Comeback: A Tale of Endurance, Weather, and Tiny Ear Issues
With his highly anticipated cyclocross return in Antwerp approaching, Wout van Aert's recent training regimen offers a fascinating glimpse into his meticulous preparation. One of the final training days in Spain was an intense 170-kilometer ride spanning over five hours, followed by an eight-kilometer run at a steady pace of 4:38 per kilometer. This rigorous session came amidst a training camp that was far from ordinary.
Severe weather disrupted large parts of Spain, including the Calpe-Valencia area where van Aert and his team were based. At one point, the Belgian even received an emergency alert on his phone warning of flooding risk in Valencia and advising people to avoid travel. Despite these challenges, training continued, and van Aert shared glimpses of his daily life on camp via his Instagram recap, showcasing moments away from the bike alongside his training efforts.
The post also hinted at a minor ear issue, seemingly caused by friction with his helmet, but this didn't hinder his productivity as he logged long hours in the saddle. This preparation in Spain suggests that van Aert is returning to cyclocross in top shape, having balanced road-level endurance work with a targeted return to the discipline.
Van Aert's Current Standing in Cyclocross
Van Aert's approach to cyclocross has evolved in recent seasons, becoming more selective. While he no longer dedicates the same full winter focus to the discipline as he once did, his results remain consistently competitive whenever he competes. Last winter brought a mix of victories and podium finishes across the festive period, as well as a high-profile battle with Mathieu van der Poel at the World Championships. This season's calendar again centers on a concentrated block of major races, with Antwerp marking the starting point of that run.
