There’s a growing sense of predictability creeping into the cyclocross season, and many fans fear that the upcoming weeks might turn out to be quite monotonous. But here’s where it gets controversial—some believe that this perceived lull could be the result of an athlete’s overwhelming dominance, making the races less unpredictable and more formulaic. Former world champion Bart Wellens has voiced concerns that the current trajectory could lead to a phase of uninspiring competition, especially if Mathieu van der Poel continues to showcase his superiority.
Looking back at the thrilling World Cup race in Namur last weekend, Wellens reflects that Thibau Nys missed a rare opportunity to challenge Van der Poel’s prowess. Now, he warns that the upcoming races—particularly those with sandy terrains—are likely to favor Van der Poel even more. In fact, Wellens anticipates that Van der Poel will feel perfectly at home in these conditions, which could translate into an extended period of dominance for him.
A Lost Chance in Namur
Wellens’ disappointment over Nys’ slip-up was evident. “Thibau Nys had an exceptional chance to defeat Mathieu van der Poel, but unfortunately, he let it slip away,” Wellens commented. “That mistake will likely stay with him for a long time. It was an avoidable error, especially at such a critical moment in the race. It was a location on the course where a mistake simply shouldn’t happen.”
He pointed out that the error happened at a crucial spot, emphasizing that the race's final lap was the least forgiving moment for such a slip. “If there was ever a corner where concentration was vital, it was there,” Wellens added. “It appears to have been a lapse in focus rather than a lack of skill.”
Effort Appreciated, but Expectations Remain Cautious
Despite his frustration with the mistake, Wellens recognizes Nys’ strong overall performance. “Thibau was actually closing the gap on Van der Poel during the race,” he noted. Additionally, he praised Michael Vanthourenhout for his formidable effort, as the rider managed to stay competitive alongside the leading group.
However, Wellens isn’t optimistic that much will change in the immediate future. With Wout van Aert’s anticipated return to racing in Antwerp, Wellens believes Van Aert might still be finding his rhythm. “Respect to Wout, but I don’t think he’ll be able to immediately challenge Van der Poel once he’s back. The signs are there—he’s on the right track, but not quite at the same level yet,” Wellens explained. “While Namur was an exciting race, I think we’re now headed for a stretch of less dramatic, more predictable events.”}
