Wout van Aert looks set to miss Dublin round of UCI Cyclocross World Cup⬇️

Wout van Aert Set to Miss Dublin Round of UCI Cyclocross World Cup to Focus on 2025 Road Season Preparation

Belgian cycling star Wout van Aert is expected to miss the Dublin round of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup, as he focuses his efforts on preparing for the upcoming 2025 road season. The Jumbo-Visma rider, renowned for his explosive performances in cyclocross, will be absent from the December race in Ireland, opting instead to invest his time in training camps that will build up his strength and endurance for a packed road calendar next year.

Wout VAN AERT’s (BEL) post-race face after finishing the muddy GP Sven Nys in Baal, Belgium on New Year’s Day 2024. // Kristof Ramon / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202401040441 // Usage for editorial use only //

Van Aert’s decision comes amid a shift in priorities as he prepares for a demanding 2025 road season, which will include targeting the Spring Classics and the Tour de France. Known for his versatility across cycling disciplines, van Aert has successfully balanced cyclocross and road racing over the years. However, with his sights set firmly on achieving major victories on the road, he and his team have made a calculated choice to limit his cyclocross appearances this winter.

The decision highlights the increasingly strategic approach top riders like van Aert are taking as they aim to reach peak form for specific goals. Cyclocross has long been a part of van Aert’s racing identity, and fans are familiar with his impressive displays of grit and skill on the rough, muddy tracks of the discipline. His thrilling duels with longtime rival Mathieu van der Poel have made cyclocross races highly anticipated events in the cycling calendar. However, with the intensity of the road season, particularly the Spring Classics and the Tour de France, van Aert has recognized the need to channel his energy and focus toward these goals, leaving his cyclocross calendar reduced this season.

Missing the Dublin round will be a notable absence for the UCI Cyclocross World Cup, as van Aert’s participation often draws large crowds. His ability to dominate both cyclocross and road cycling has made him a fan favorite worldwide. Nonetheless, his decision to sit out the Dublin race is understandable given the high demands of his road racing ambitions.

The Spring Classics, which take place from March to April, include some of the most challenging one-day races in the world, with events like Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix. Each of these Classics demands a peak level of fitness and power, often won by riders who have meticulously prepared through targeted training rather than by participating in a full cyclocross season.

Wout VAN AERT’s (BEL) post-race face after finishing the muddy GP Sven Nys in Baal, Belgium on New Year’s Day 2024. // Kristof Ramon / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202401040441 // Usage for editorial use only //

In addition to the Spring Classics, van Aert has aspirations for the Tour de France, where he will play a critical role in supporting Jumbo-Visma’s overall strategy and potentially chase stage victories of his own. The Tour demands a different level of endurance, tactical acumen, and sustained focus that requires every bit of preparation a rider can get in the off-season.

While fans in Dublin may feel disappointed by his absence, this shift in van Aert’s schedule underscores his commitment to reaching new heights in his road racing career. With 2025 expected to be a pivotal year for him, fans can anticipate some remarkable performances come spring and summer. As for cyclocross, it remains an important part of van Aert’s legacy, though this winter season will be a lighter one for the Belgian star.