Wout van Aert Continues Cyclo-Cross Campaign Despite Lack of Wins

Wout van Aert will continue to compete in cyclo-cross despite not winning a race this winter.

Heijboer stated that Van Aert's happiness is key to his performance, and watching cyclo-cross races on TV would not satisfy him.

Van Aert's closest result was a narrow loss to Tibor del Grosso at the Superprestige in Heusden-Zolder on December 23.

The 31-year-old former three-time cyclo-cross world champion enjoys the discipline too much to give it up, according to Heijboer.

Van Aert is set to race at Mol on January 2 and Zonhoven on January 4, before concluding his 'cross campaign at the Belgian national championships.

Heijboer mentioned that there is still a slight chance of Van Aert participating in the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Hulst on February 1.

Van Aert's condition is good, with a current maximum heart-rate of 195 and fast recovery from races, according to Heijboer.

The road is not forgotten, with Van Aert scheduled to have a long training session on the road on Wednesday, Heijboer pointed out.

Heijboer said Van Aert is much sharper and calmer than last year, enjoying the races and quickly moving on from disappointments.

Van Aert's bad crash in the preceding Vuelta a España and severe knee injury are now further in the rear-view mirror, Heijboer noted.

The Belgian star's enthusiasm for cyclo-cross will keep him competing in the discipline, despite the lack of wins this winter.