Wout van Aert has confirmed he will return to cyclocross this winter — although exactly when remains to be seen.
The Visma | Lease a Bike rider confirmed his plans following the Road World Championships in Montreal, bringing his 2026 road season to an end.
Asked about a return to the discipline that made his name, Van Aert left little doubt.
“Of course I’ll be back in cyclocross.”
No race programme has been announced yet, and Van Aert is taking a break before preparations for the winter begin.
He also joked about the difference between a long road race and an hour of cross: “At least cyclocross is over after an hour.”
With Mathieu van der Poel yet to confirm his own winter plans, Van Aert’s decision is already a welcome boost for the coming season.
For now, there’s no date and no race list — but Wout will be back in the mud.