Van Aert & Van der Poel’s Extended Cyclocross Absence “A Big Middle Finger to the UCI,” Says Bart Wellens

Van Aert & Van der Poel’s Extended Cyclocross Absence “A Big Middle Finger to the UCI,” Says Bart Wellens

Cyclocross fans were left stunned as two of the sport’s biggest stars, Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel, made a joint decision to sit out a significant portion of the 2024-2025 cyclocross season. The decision has sparked intense debate within the cycling community, with many questioning the implications for the sport’s future and its relationship with governing body UCI.

Bart Wellens, a former cyclocross world champion and one of Belgium’s most respected figures in the sport, did not hold back in his criticism. Speaking to reporters, Wellens said that the absence of both van Aert and van der Poel—two riders who have dominated the sport in recent years—was “a big middle finger to the UCI.” Wellens, who has long been a vocal critic of certain aspects of cyclocross governance, suggested that the decision was an intentional statement against the UCI’s growing influence and control over the calendar and structure of the sport.

The controversy revolves around the UCI’s management of the cyclocross season, which some top riders, including van Aert and van der Poel, feel has become overly demanding. Both riders, who are also heavily involved in road racing, have expressed frustration in the past about the way the UCI schedules cyclocross events in relation to the road season, leading to burnout and injury. With the 2024-2025 cyclocross season beginning in October, both riders have announced that they will be focusing on their road cycling programs for the remainder of the year, with no intention of returning to the muddy courses until much later.

Wellens, who has experienced the pressures of balancing road and cyclocross racing, understands the demands but believes the duo’s decision sends a powerful message to the UCI. “These guys are at the top of the sport, and when they decide to step back, it’s not just for personal reasons—it’s about the system. The UCI has a lot to answer for, and Wout and Mathieu are making their frustrations known in a very public way,” Wellens remarked.

While the move has sparked frustration among cyclocross fans who eagerly anticipate the fierce rivalry between the two riders, others see it as an inevitable consequence of the growing commercialization of the sport and the overloading of its calendar. As van Aert and van der Poel continue to shine on the road, their absence from the cyclocross scene may lead to further conversations about the future direction of the sport and the role of the UCI in shaping it.