Cyclocross has been dealt a devastating blow this week with the news that Eli Iserbyt has been forced to retire due to an untreatable iliac artery injury. But here's where it gets even more heartbreaking: Wout van Aert, another titan of the sport, is facing yet another setback after a season-ending crash at the Exact Cross Mol. Eight days later, the Belgian star still hasn’t returned to his bike, leaving fans and experts alike wondering about his future. And this is the part most people miss: Johan Bruyneel, a respected voice in cycling, believes van Aert’s repeated crashes and injuries might push him to abandon cyclocross altogether. 'I feel for him enormously; it's insane,' Bruyneel laments, capturing the sentiment of many who’ve watched van Aert’s string of bad luck.
Van Aert’s crash at Mol was particularly cruel. After a strong start in snowy conditions, he had matched Mathieu van der Poel’s pace, setting the stage for a thrilling duel—the first real showdown between the two this winter. But the race ended abruptly when van Aert slid out in a corner, fracturing his ankle. 'It seemed like he was on par with Mathieu van der Poel. Now we’ll never know,' Bruyneel reflected on The Move podcast. This injury not only ends his cyclocross season but also jeopardizes his preparation for the spring classics, his ultimate goal.
Here’s the controversial part: While Bruyneel acknowledges van Aert’s mental toughness, he questions whether the constant cycle of recovery is sustainable. 'He has to come back every time, and he will do so again, I have no doubt about it,' Bruyneel says, but adds, 'It’s time spent recovering his level instead of improving it.' This raises a thought-provoking question: Is cyclocross worth the risk for van Aert, especially when his road racing career demands peak performance? Could this be the moment he decides to step away from the discipline he loves?
Van Aert’s struggles aren’t new. Since his 2024 Dwars door Vlaanderen crash, he’s battled to regain confidence in an increasingly aggressive peloton. His 2024 season was derailed by falls at the Vuelta a España, and just as he seemed to be closing the gap on van der Poel, this latest injury strikes. Meanwhile, van der Poel, who has hinted at potentially skipping cyclocross if he wins another world title, may further widen the gap between them.
Bruyneel suggests van Aert might follow suit, prioritizing safety over passion. 'I can see him saying, 'You know what, this is it. I’ll limit the risks,' Bruyneel speculates. But he also acknowledges the love both riders have for cyclocross: 'They don’t do it for the money. They simply love the sport.' This emotional connection makes the decision to leave even harder.
While van Aert’s Tour de France participation remains secure—Bruyneel even argues this setback could improve his chances—the bigger question lingers: Can he continue to juggle the demands of cyclocross and road racing without compromising his long-term career? And if he does step away, what does that mean for the sport?
What do you think? Is it time for van Aert to prioritize his road career, or should he stay true to the discipline he loves? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
