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Wout van Aert (Visma-Hire a Motorcycle) mirrored on a ‘stupid mistake’ Saturday in Maasmechelen, person who proved pricey in permitting rival Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) to cruise away for a fourth International Cup victory of the season.
The much-awaited struggle between the competitors advanced early at the Belgium path as Van Aert moved his strategy to the entrance following a primary lap collision with a path marking wood pole. The Visma-Hire a Motorcycle rider regarded sturdy as he rode again throughout the box and took the lead from Van der Poel.
Alternatively, on a slippery descent, the Belgian crashed and Van der Poel took the chance to assault.
“I was eager to come forward quickly, because I was never in the race last week in Benidorm because of that bad starting position,” Van Aert said.
“I was really trying to get to the front as soon as possible. When I started the attack in the second lap I made a stupid mistake.”
Despite still suffering from the effects of a broken rib, the reigning World Champion pulled out his advantage for the victory, by 1 minute and 14 seconds.
After having to battle from a slow start to finish fourth in Benidorm last weekend Van Aert said he was eager to rejoin the front group early at Maasmechelen.
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“I think it’s a shame, because Mathieu actually rode very far away from me. But I would have preferred to have fought for a while. I had the feeling that I was in it, so after that it was difficult.
“Without that mistake, I would have been closer. I wouldn’t say I could have won, as I finished a minute behind. I was able to ride a nice race afterwards. It was indeed difficult today, for example, that off-camber,” Van Aert admitted.
Maasmechelen was the final cyclocross race of the season for Van Aert, starting his campaign late after recovering from a serious knee injury he sustained at last year’s Vuelta a España. He has ridden five races, taking two wins and finishing in the top four on each occasion.
“It has been a short winter,” mentioned Van Aert. “It’s not the [‘cross] season I was hoping for but given the injury that I finished the last road season with it was good to minimise the races.
“The races I did I could fully enjoy and get good results. I look back with a good feeling. I have always enjoyed it [cyclocross] very much. Every time I get back on the field and I meet all my competitors, I would prefer to ride much more.”
Next he prepares for a busy road campaign, including both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France. The Belgian head to a final pre-season training camp before making his 2025 debut on February 17 at Clásica Jaén.
“My goals are now also on the road. Now I have to use my mind because those bigger goals on the road arrive very quickly.”
Fanatics flocked to Maasmechelen to witness a race duel between Van Aert and Van der Poel, which used to be dubbed the ‘unofficial World Championship’.
When requested if it used to be ‘the unofficial International Championship’, he added: “It’s absolutely not that, it’s a regular cyclocross.”
Despite still suffering effects from a broken rib, Van der Poel looks set to defend his Cyclocross World title next weekend in Liévin.
“The rib was OK. I still felt it, maybe it is good as I didn’t think so much about my legs,” Van der Poel said. “I really enjoyed this race. It was really nice, especially with the crowds. It was a real cyclocross today.”
