Now comes the eagerly awaited first Van der Poel vs Van Aert of the season at the Exact Cross in Loenhout

Wout van Aert's sick leave prevented the two main attractions within the international cyclocross circuit from facing each other for the first time this winter last Monday. The duel, originally scheduled for the Superprestige in Mol, was moved to Friday at the Exact Cross in Loenhout, after Mathieu van Der Poel had dominated in his first two races of the season: the Zonhoven World Cup and the Zilvermeercross, awaiting the outcome of another new round of the World Cup in Gavere on Thursday.

Where and how to follow the Exact Cross in Loenhout

True to their extensive coverage of the best events in the three major cyclocross competitions (World Cup, Superprestige, and Exact Cross), Eurosport will once again broadcast live the races this Friday, the 27th in Loenhout. However, there is a new feature this time, as unlike previous events, both the elite women's and men's races can be followed on their main channel.

Another option to follow the race's progress is to be in this small town in the province of Antwerp and purchase a ticket to experience the cyclocross spectacle live in Flanders. For €16 in advance and €18 on the day of the race, you can enjoy the best CX on the planet.

Schedule for the Exact Cross in Loenhout

• Elite women's race: 13:45
• Elite men's race: 15:00

Van Aert and Van der Poel will face off in another winter classic

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Loenhout has been the scene of epic battles between the world's best cyclocross specialists over the past few years. Notably, Van der Poel and Van Aert have shared all the victories on this circuit since 2016. You have to go back to 2015, to Tom Meeusen's victory ahead of Merlier, who was much more focused on cyclocross at the time, and Van Aert himself, to see a different rider on the top step of the podium from the two big favorites this Friday.

All the excitement and media attention that was focused on the showdown last Monday in Mol for the first of the only four clashes of the season between WvA and Van der Poel, now moves to Loenhout, where it is expected that the Visma | Lease a Bike Belgian will once again wear a race number on his back after the tough fall in the past Vuelta a España that ruined the end of his road season. Facing doubts about his physical condition or debut, the certainty and strength that his great rival has shown in the early stages of this winter season.

Fifth round of the Exact Cross

After the victories of Van der Haar (Beringen), Sweeck (Essen), and Eli Iserbyt (Heerdestrand and Kortrijk), the Exact Cross Tournament reaches its fifth stop of the seven that make up its program this Friday. The last two, by the way, will practically close the major CX circuits with the Parkcross in Maldegem and the Waaslandcross in Sint-Niklaas, in February, after the World Championship.

This time, the duel between Van der Poel and Van Aert will not be joined by the Alicante rider Felipe Orts, who will take a break in his busy Christmas tour to return to competition this Sunday at the World Cup in Besançon.