Original plans tossed aside: Van Aert changes his mind at the last minute

BRUSSELS – Belgian cyclist Wout van Aert has decided to compete in this weekend’s World Cyclocross Championships in Liévin, reversing his initial plans.

The three-time world champion announced the decision on Sunday through his team Visma-Lease and Bike.

“I feel good and my winter preparation has gone well. We made the decision to participate in the championship at the last minute after Saturday’s race in Maasmechelen,” said Van Aert, who skipped last year’s World Championships in Tabor. This winter, he has competed in only five cyclocross races, winning two of them.