Cyclocross has been dealt a devastating blow this week with the news of Eli Iserbyt's career-ending injury, and now all eyes are on the sport's future stars. But here's where it gets even more heartbreaking: Wout van Aert, another cyclocross powerhouse, is facing yet another setback after a season-ending crash at the Exact Cross Mol. This isn't just a minor hiccup—it's a fracture that sidelines him for weeks, derailing his preparation for the spring classics, his ultimate goal. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just his physical form that's at stake, but his confidence too, especially after a string of crashes and setbacks since 2024.
Van Aert's crash came at a moment when he seemed poised to challenge Mathieu van der Poel, his long-time rival. The race, set against a snowy backdrop, was shaping up to be a thrilling duel—the first real showdown between the two this winter. Van Aert had started strong, catching up to van der Poel after an initial attack. But then, in a split second, it all went wrong. A slide in a corner led to a crash, and the race ended abruptly. 'It seemed like he was on par with Mathieu van der Poel,' Johan Bruyneel reflected on The Move podcast. 'If you look at the last few years, van der Poel usually has the upper hand. This was the moment we'd all been waiting for, but now we'll never know what could have been.'
The injury itself—an ankle fracture—isn't career-threatening, but the timing couldn't be worse. Van Aert will need at least three months to recover, a huge setback for someone aiming to peak for the spring classics. Bruyneel doesn't mince words: 'His preparation has been compromised. Even if he makes it to the classics, his form will be a question mark.' And it's not just his physical condition that's suffering. Van Aert has been struggling with positioning in an increasingly aggressive peloton since his 2024 crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen. This latest fall only adds to the mounting challenges he's faced in recent years.
But here's the controversial part: Bruyneel speculates that van Aert might consider stepping away from cyclocross altogether. 'I can see him saying, 'Enough is enough. I’ll limit the risks,' Bruyneel suggests. While cyclocross crashes are often low-speed and less severe than road racing incidents, the cumulative toll is undeniable. Van Aert's repeated recoveries mean time spent regaining his level rather than improving it, which could impact his performance in the road peloton. Yet, Bruyneel remains optimistic about van Aert's mental resilience: 'He has to come back every time, and he will. His mental strength is on another level.'
Meanwhile, Mathieu van der Poel has hinted at potentially skipping a cyclocross season if he wins the upcoming World Championships—a scenario that seems increasingly likely. Bruyneel believes van Aert might follow suit, though for different reasons. 'They both love cyclocross—the sport, the atmosphere, the fans,' Bruyneel notes. 'They’re not in it for the money. But the risks and setbacks might force their hand.'
So, what does this mean for the future of cyclocross? Will van Aert and van der Poel continue to dominate, or will the sport lose two of its brightest stars? And if they do step away, what will it mean for the discipline's popularity and competitiveness? This is where you come in: Do you think van Aert should continue pushing through the setbacks, or is it time for him to prioritize his road racing career? Let us know in the comments—this is a debate worth having.
