‘It’ll make them more beautiful’ – Mathieu van der Poel welcomes Van Aert’s decision to race Cyclocross World Championships

Mathieu van der Poel has welcomed the last-minute decision by key rival Wout van Aert to take part in the Cyclo-cross World Championships next Sunday.

Even though Van der Poel’s status as top favourite remains unaffected by Van Aert’s presence, the unexpected announcement by the Belgian star will likely make for a much more fiercely competed battle for the rainbow jersey next Sunday in Liévin, northern France.