A bold statement upfront: Wout van Aert is treating his cyclocross comeback with the intensity of a full-scale assault, and the latest training reveals just how seriously he’s preparing. But here’s where it gets controversial: not everyone agrees that a five-hour, 170-kilometer slog and a lengthy run are the best path back to CX glory. This is the core tension you’ll see echoed in debates about endurance vs. specialization.
As Antwerp looms, van Aert’s recent training load provides a clear snapshot of his approach. A demanding day toward the end of a Spain-based block featured a 170-kilometer ride that stretched over five hours, followed by an almost eight-kilometer run at an average pace of 4 minutes 38 seconds per kilometer.
That volume occurred during a camp far from routine. Severe weather disrupted much of Spain, including the Calpe-Valencia region where his team trained. At one point, an emergency alert on van Aert’s phone warned of flooding risk in Valencia and advised people to avoid travel.
Even with the interruptions, training pressed on. Van Aert shared snippets from camp on Instagram, offering glimpses of daily life away from the bike—meals, team camaraderie, and lighthearted moments, including Victor Campenaerts briefly donning a Smurf-inspired outfit.
The post also hinted at a minor ear issue, seemingly caused by helmet friction. It didn’t derail the workload, as he logged long hours in the saddle.
Where van Aert stands in cyclocross today
Antwerp marks the start of a more selective cyclocross phase for van Aert. He no longer chases the discipline with the same winter-focused intensity as earlier in his career, yet he remains consistently competitive whenever he starts a race.
Last winter showcased a blend of victories and podiums across the festive period, capped by another marquee duel with Mathieu van der Poel at the World Championships. This season’s schedule again centers on a tight block of major events, with Antwerp serving as the kickoff.
The Spain training indicates van Aert is returning to cyclocross on his own terms, balancing serious road-endurance work with a targeted re-entry to the discipline. He appears to be shaping a recovery that prioritizes readiness for the key CX events while maintaining a broad, foundation-building fitness base.
In short, his preparation reflects a deliberate strategy: push the volume and tempo in training, adapt to real-world travel and weather challenges, and re-enter cyclocross at peak shape—on his own terms, not by following a one-size-fits-all blueprint. Would you prioritize a broad endurance base or a focused CX-specific buildup when returning to a specialty discipline? Share your thoughts in the comments.
