Van Aert, affected two weeks before his winter debut in cyclocross

The return of Wout van Aert to cyclocross will have to deal with a small setback. The Belgian from Visma Lease a Bike, who is scheduled to make his comeback at the World Cup in Antwerp on December 20, has spent several days unable to train due to an illness. Although it does not seem serious, it comes at a delicate time to adjust his form for his brief winter campaign.

Wout van Aert resumes training after several days sick and maintains his plan to return in Antwerp

Van Aert confirmed on Strava that he was back on the bike after a few days off, accompanying the message with a thermometer icon. A gesture that makes it clear that he has not had his best week. The break represents a small setback in an already compressed preparation, although the Belgian still has more than two weeks to fine-tune his feelings before his debut.

His return will also take place in a highly demanding setting, the sand of Antwerp, where he will immediately coincide with Mathieu van der Poel, who will return a few days earlier in the Namur race.

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The calendar for both guarantees at least five direct confrontations in the coming weeks. After Antwerp, they will meet again in Hofstade on December 22, Loenhout (December 29), Mol (January 2), and Zonhoven (January 4).

It will be an express campaign, but with key stages in some of the most representative circuits of winter. Additionally, from Visma Lease a Bike, they leave a window open for the World Championship in Hulst on February 1. The team's performance manager, Mathieu Heijboer, stated that they do not completely rule out the option, and the decision will be made later and will depend on how the Belgian's winter progresses.