In a recent interview shaking up the cyclocross world, Belgian coach and former racer Bert Wellens didn’t hold back his views on Wout van Aert’s performance last season, casting doubt on the star’s ability to stay competitive in the upcoming cyclocross circuit. Wellens’ comments suggest that van Aert’s form might not be sufficient to overcome emerging talents like Thibau Nys, the son of cyclocross legend Sven Nys, have created a buzz among fans and sparked debate over van Aert’s future in the sport. By bluntly saying, “I think that is a bit of shame…if Wout van Aert enters the field with the level of last winter, he’ll have a lot of trouble beating Thibau Nys,” Wellens has raised critical questions about van Aert’s preparation, dedication, and competitive edge as he balances road and cyclocross seasons.
Van Aert’s Stellar Yet Divisive Season
Wout van Aert is undeniably one of the biggest names in cycling today. His performances have earned him a reputation as one of the sport’s few versatile talents, mastering road racing and cyclocross with impressive results. However, his recent season left some fans questioning his ability to prioritize one discipline over another. Though he achieved remarkable success in several road events—taking stage wins at the Tour de France and showing his climbing prowess on challenging terrain—his cyclocross results were somewhat inconsistent compared to his previous seasons.
The main critique centres on the fact that van Aert’s last cyclocross season was punctuated with moments of brilliance but didn’t reach the dominant heights fans had come to expect. His performances seemed restrained, often overshadowed by rival Mathieu van der Poel and the young talent of Thibau Nys, who has quickly become a rising force in the cyclocross circuit. Van Aert’s tendency to show up to races without the razor-sharp focus and peak condition he displays on the road has led some to wonder if he’s stretching himself too thin.
Bert Wellens’ remarks have amplified these doubts, particularly as van Aert faces an increasingly competitive field where young riders like Nys are eager to prove themselves and make their mark on the sport.
Thibau Nys: The Rising Threat
Thibau Nys, the 20-year-old prodigy, has inherited not only his father Sven Nys’ talent but also his determination and drive to succeed in cyclocross. Over the past few seasons, Thibau has made rapid strides, claiming several high-profile victories and impressing fans and experts with his technique, stamina, and resilience. Many believe he is poised to take the sport by storm and potentially dominate it in the coming years.
Wellens’ comments suggest that Nys is more than ready to challenge veterans like van Aert, positioning him as a genuine contender who could give even the most seasoned riders a run for their money. His rapid progression, coupled with an intense focus on cyclocross (unlike van Aert’s divided interests), puts him in a prime position to excel. Wellens’ words indicate that he believes van Aert’s divided focus could lead to an advantage for Nys, particularly if van Aert does not enter the season in peak cyclocross shape.
“If Wout van Aert enters the field with the level of last winter, he’ll have a lot of trouble beating Thibau Nys,” Wellens said, pointing to the raw, unfiltered potential that Nys brings to the field. His statement suggests that for all of van Aert’s accomplishments and skills, the lack of consistent cyclocross-specific training and preparation could make him vulnerable to young riders who are laser-focused on this single discipline.
The Balancing Act: Road vs. Cyclocross
For van Aert, balancing two distinct cycling disciplines—road and cyclocross—is a double-edged sword. While his versatility is part of what makes him an extraordinary athlete, this balancing act can come at a cost. Road racing requires a different set of skills, and the fitness required is not directly transferrable to the intense and explosive nature of cyclocross.
Van Aert’s road season in 2023 was a notable success, with wins and strong performances in numerous high-stakes races. However, his choice to focus on road racing and only participate in select cyclocross events led some to believe he wasn’t giving the cyclocross season his full attention. His sporadic cyclocross appearances, while impactful, didn’t project the same dominance as his earlier years, where he was a consistent frontrunner across the season.
Wellens’ critique draws attention to this very issue. He implies that van Aert’s split focus could be detrimental not only to his performance but also to his reputation as a serious cyclocross competitor. By pointing out that van Aert may struggle against a rider like Nys if he doesn’t enter with full preparation, Wellens raises a deeper question about the long-term viability of van Aert’s dual-discipline approach.
A Legacy at Stake? What’s Next for Van Aert
While van Aert’s achievements are indisputable, his approach to cyclocross over the past season has drawn mixed reactions. Many fans appreciate his versatility, but others believe that van Aert’s divided focus prevents him from achieving his full potential in either discipline. Cyclocross purists argue that by not dedicating himself to a full cyclocross season, he is effectively diluting the prestige and rigour required to remain a dominant force.
Van Aert’s legacy in cyclocross could indeed be at risk if Wellens’ predictions come to pass. If Thibau Nys manages to surpass him on the course this season, it could symbolize a passing of the torch—a moment where the next generation proves that they are ready to claim their place at the top. Moreover, it would challenge the idea that van Aert, despite his considerable skill, can compete with younger, more cyclocross-focused riders without committing to the same level of dedication.
For his fans and supporters, however, van Aert remains a hero of the sport. They see his efforts on both road and cyclocross as a testament to his drive, courage, and love of cycling. They argue that even if van Aert’s focus on cyclocross has shifted, his past achievements and his ability to still compete at a high level in multiple disciplines speak volumes about his talent.
Wellens’ Criticism: A Call to Action or a Dismissive Take?
Wellens’ comments have stirred debate across the cycling community, with many seeing his words as both a warning and a challenge. For van Aert, the remarks could serve as a wake-up call—a reminder that to stay at the top, he may need to reassess his approach and prioritize his training. Some view Wellens’ criticism as constructive, suggesting that it could push van Aert to come back stronger and prove his doubters wrong.
On the other hand, Wellens’ comments could be seen as unnecessarily harsh, especially given van Aert’s contributions to the sport and his impressive track record. Wellens’ tone has been interpreted by some as dismissive of van Aert’s achievements and indicative of an impatience with his less-than-dominant performances last season. Fans of van Aert argue that, given his workload and accomplishments, he deserves more respect and understanding as he continues to balance road and cyclocross.
The Road Ahead: Will Van Aert Rise to the Challenge?
As van Aert prepares to enter the cyclocross season, his response to Wellens’ critique remains to be seen. Will he rise to the challenge, committing himself fully to cyclocross and reasserting his dominance on the field? Or will he continue to split his focus between disciplines, possibly allowing young stars like Thibau Nys to capitalize on his divided attention?
Regardless of his decision, the upcoming season promises to be an exciting one, with fans eager to see how van Aert performs against the fresh competition. Thibau Nys, with his youthful energy and rapid development, has the potential to emerge as a new leader in the sport, potentially setting up a new era in cyclocross. Yet, if van Aert returns to the field in peak condition, he could still prove himself as a force to be reckoned with and remind the world why he’s held in such high regard.
A New Era on the Horizon?
Wellens’ comments have undoubtedly added fuel to the fire, raising the stakes for the upcoming season and highlighting the intensifying competition between veteran stars and emerging talents. As van Aert heads back to the field, he faces the pressure not only to win but to defend his reputation against the rising tide of young challengers like Thibau Nys. The question remains: will Wout van Aert rise to the occasion, or is it time for a new king of Cyclocross to take the throne?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the cyclocross world is watching closely, and the battle for supremacy has never been more thrilling.