Van Aert is in an absolute monster shape and this is probably the first time that I've seen Van der Poel soft pedalling in a CX race, this doesn't bode well for him.
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First time i saw him soft pedalling in a CX race was on this exact same course some 6 years ago.Van Aert is in an absolute monster shape and this is probably the first time that I've seen Van der Poel soft pedalling in a CX race, this doesn't bode well for him.
Yesterday was expected (heavy course), today not so much, but on the other hand he's 2x silver medalist ITT...It's insane how he can be so much stronger than the rest. He push to the limit yesterday and them today is a class above again.
Well he seems to take the time on the flat, fast sections, which is expected. But his inability to get tired is such an advantegeYesterday was expected (heavy course), today not so much, but on the other hand he's 2x silver medalist ITT...
He's better than he's been the past 3 years, i'm sure of it. On the other hand, with Mathieu in "normal" form, it would be a duel.Well he seems to take the time on the flat, fast sections, which is expected. But his inability to get tired is such an advantege
I think even on his peak form, wout would be slightly better he has the best form of his life. But I don't know anything near as much on cyclocross as you.He's better than he's been the past 3 years, i'm sure of it. On the other hand, with Mathieu in "normal" form, it would be a duel.
A race is a race and i wouldn't expect any gifts between the two of them as they have a bit of history in sprint finishes. Like Pidcock said in the interview, Iserbyt looked stronger but he was slightly more tactically aware in the finale.Iserbyt may hate pidcock for nicking precious points… although iserbyt does long stronger today
He's better than he's been the past 3 years, i'm sure of it. On the other hand, with Mathieu in "normal" form, it would be a duel.
The Big Two today
Agree on both points. MvdP looks very stiff and not in good shape physiologically. (Not necessarily endurance wise. I dunno about the wisdom of continuing but he knows how he feels and it's only his second race back.
to his toddler!Wout is riding like he has something to prove.
I am ridiculously fascinated with cyclocross! It's such an incredibly "broad skills" sport and one needs so extremely many different talents to be good at it! And the courses changes completely with the weather. Also it feels more "intimate" than cycling. (And still it's hilarious with the muddy faces )
I’m very aware of their history, been watching that with interest for years. I’m just glad Eli didn’t steer Tom into the barriers this time but credit it to him, he kept it straight and it was a cracking sprint finish. I was hoping for a similar one between the (other) big two but it wasn‘t to be.A race is a race and i wouldn't expect any gifts between the two of them as they have a bit of history in sprint finishes. Like Pidcock said in the interview, Iserbyt looked stronger but he was slightly more tactically aware in the finale.
if you haven’t seen a pro race live & COVID permitting, go watch one. You won’t believe how quick they ride over ground you slip n slide in your wellliesI am ridiculously fascinated with cyclocross! It's such an incredibly "broad skills" sport and one needs so extremely many different talents to be good at it! And the courses changes completely with the weather. Also it feels more "intimate" than cycling. (And still it's hilarious with the muddy faces )
Yet Pidcock and Van der Poel are arguably the two best mountainbikers of the past two seasons and they come from cyclocross. But overall, XC is probably more technical than CX yeah.You need to watch mountain biking; their skills are another level compared to Cyclocross.
I've just looked back on CX24 to see all their results head to head and there aren't actually many where they finish on the same time after a drag race sprint. The one that springs to mind is Hamme in 2014. Diegem 2016 they finished on the same time after van der Poel sat up and van Aert caught him right on/after the line, but mostly they sprint for the corner before the finish and it seems van der Poel comes out on top in most situations.I’m very aware of their history, been watching that with interest for years. I’m just glad Eli didn’t steer Tom into the barriers this time but credit it to him, he kept it straight and it was a cracking sprint finish. I was hoping for a similar one between the (other) big two but it wasn‘t to be.