Van Aert’s performance in Dendermonde was a masterclass in resilience and skill. Battling through a mud-soaked course, he surged ahead of his competitors, finishing over a minute clear of the field.
“Cyclocross races are so difficult, but great fun,” Van Aert shared post-race, still covered in mud. “To be honest, I’m ahead of the schedule I had in my mind, so it’s a confidence boost as I keep working toward the road season.”
Van Aert Eyes 2025 Tour Of Flanders & Paris-Roubaix
This return to form has set high expectations for Van Aert’s 2025 road season, where he is targeting victories at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. Turning 30 in September, Van Aert has made it clear these iconic races are his top priorities.
“I dream of looking back in a year with a victory at the Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix on my palmarès,” he said recently.
His dominant cyclocross display comes as rivals Mathieu van der Poel and Tom Pidcock are absent from the scene—Van der Poel is recovering from a rib injury, while Pidcock has opted out of cyclocross this winter. Van Aert is seizing the opportunity to fine-tune his fitness and build momentum for the Classics season.
Despite setbacks in 2024, including a high-speed crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen, Van Aert’s confidence is soaring. Reflecting on his recent wins, he remarked, “This is a great confidence boost for the road season.”
The question now is whether 2025 will finally be the year Van Aert conquers Flanders and Roubaix. With his current form, everything seems possible.
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