Bart Wellens Calls Out UCI as Van Aert & Van der Poel Extend Cyclocross Absence: A Sign of Growing Tensions in the Sport
The ongoing absence of two of cyclocross’s biggest stars, Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel, from the early cyclocross season has stirred significant debate within the sport’s community. Belgian cycling legend Bart Wellens recently weighed in on the situation, describing their absence as “a big middle finger to the UCI.” This bold statement highlights the frustration that many athletes and fans feel about the direction of cyclocross under the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and serves as a reflection of the growing tension between elite riders and the sport’s governing body.
The Absence of Cyclocross Giants: A Surprising Start to the Season
Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel are household names in cyclocross, each having dominated the sport over the past decade. Their presence alone elevates any race they enter, drawing thousands of fans and boosting the sport’s profile on an international scale. However, both riders have opted out of competing in the early stages of the 2023-2024 cyclocross season, focusing instead on preparation for the road season, where they’ve also achieved remarkable success.
This absence has left a significant gap in the sport, as both riders bring not only exceptional talent but also immense fan appeal. Van Aert and Van der Poel’s rivalry has fueled cyclocross viewership for years, and their decision to skip the start of the season has disappointed fans who eagerly anticipated the continuation of their legendary battles. Their prolonged absence is not just a missed opportunity for fans but also a challenge for race organizers and the UCI, which count on their participation to attract viewers and increase event revenues.
Bart Wellens’ Take: “A Big Middle Finger to the UCI”
Bart Wellens, a former cyclocross world champion and now a prominent voice in Belgian cycling, did not hold back in his critique. He expressed his disappointment with the UCI’s handling of the sport, suggesting that the absence of Van Aert and Van der Poel is, in effect, a protest against the governing body. Wellens sees their absence as a statement—a “big middle finger to the UCI”—reflecting the frustration that some top athletes feel over the way cyclocross is being managed.
Wellens argues that the UCI’s efforts to internationalize cyclocross and push it beyond its traditional European strongholds may have inadvertently led to a scheduling structure that clashes with riders’ road racing commitments. By expanding the season and adding more races, the UCI has put increased pressure on top riders, many of whom also compete in road racing during the spring and summer. Wellens points out that this scheduling conflict forces athletes like Van Aert and Van der Poel to make difficult choices about which races to prioritize, often at the expense of the cyclocross season.
Balancing Cyclocross and Road Racing: A Double-Edged Sword
The careers of Van Aert and Van der Poel represent a new era in cycling, where elite riders seamlessly transition between road racing and cyclocross. Both riders have managed to find success in both disciplines, making them valuable assets to sponsors and enhancing their profiles as versatile athletes. However, this dual focus has created logistical and physical challenges, as the demands of road racing often clash with the cyclocross calendar.
The UCI’s efforts to globalize cyclocross and increase its visibility have resulted in a longer, more intense season, with additional races held outside of Europe. For riders like Van Aert and Van der Poel, who are also committed to competing in prestigious road events, this expanded schedule is unsustainable. As a result, they must prioritize the road season, which offers more lucrative contracts, greater exposure, and higher prestige compared to cyclocross.
While their absence is understandable from a career standpoint, it underscores a key issue in the current structure of cyclocross. The sport’s reliance on star power, particularly in Europe, has led to a situation where the absence of a few high-profile riders can significantly impact viewership, fan engagement, and the financial health of races. This dependency highlights the need for the UCI to strike a balance between expanding the sport’s reach and maintaining a schedule that accommodates its top athletes.
The Financial Factor: Road Racing vs. Cyclocross
One of the underlying issues driving Van Aert and Van der Poel’s absence is the disparity in financial rewards between road racing and cyclocross. Road cycling is a globally recognized sport with a larger audience, more sponsors, and greater prize money. The Tour de France, for example, offers unparalleled visibility and lucrative sponsorship opportunities that no cyclocross race can match.
For riders of Van Aert and Van der Poel’s caliber, focusing on road racing is financially advantageous. Their contracts with top road racing teams, such as Jumbo-Visma and Alpecin-Deceuninck, come with substantial salaries and incentives that far outweigh the earnings from cyclocross. As a result, these riders are inclined to prioritize road racing, which has broader appeal and offers more career longevity than cyclocross.
The UCI’s expansion of the cyclocross calendar has exacerbated this issue, as riders are forced to choose between competing in the full cyclocross season or focusing on road racing. For Van Aert and Van der Poel, the financial and professional benefits of excelling in road cycling outweigh the demands of a full cyclocross season, leading them to scale back their participation.
The Fans’ Perspective: Disappointment and Nostalgia
For cyclocross fans, the absence of Van Aert and Van der Poel has been a major disappointment. Their rivalry has brought a level of excitement and drama that few other matchups can replicate. Fans look forward to seeing these two battle it out in challenging conditions, from muddy courses to snowy landscapes, and their withdrawal from the early season has left a void.
Fans have expressed frustration with the UCI for creating a schedule that conflicts with the riders’ road racing commitments. Many believe that the UCI should work to accommodate these star athletes, who bring a significant portion of the sport’s audience. Some fans argue that without riders of Van Aert and Van der Poel’s caliber, the cyclocross season loses much of its appeal, as fewer high-profile matchups lead to diminished interest and viewership.
In addition to disappointment, there’s also a sense of nostalgia among fans who remember when cyclocross was less commercialized and more localized in Belgium and the Netherlands. Wellens’ comments resonate with those who feel that the UCI’s efforts to expand cyclocross have led to a loss of its unique, grassroots appeal. For many, cyclocross was a sport defined by local rivalries and winter mud battles, and they fear that the push for global recognition may come at the cost of its traditional identity.
What Does This Mean for Cyclocross’s Future?
The absence of Van Aert and Van der Poel raises important questions about the future of cyclocross. The UCI’s efforts to globalize the sport are admirable, but they must be balanced with the realities of professional cycling and the demands placed on athletes. Wellens’ comments serve as a reminder that the UCI must consider the needs of its top athletes if it wants to maintain the sport’s appeal and ensure its sustainability.
One potential solution could involve adjusting the cyclocross calendar to better align with the road racing season. By condensing the cyclocross schedule or creating a dedicated offseason for road cyclists, the UCI could encourage riders like Van Aert and Van der Poel to participate more fully in both disciplines. Additionally, the UCI could explore ways to increase prize money and sponsorship opportunities in cyclocross, making it a more financially viable option for elite riders.
Another avenue for growth is fostering young talent and building a broader base of cyclocross stars. By investing in youth development programs and expanding support for up-and-coming riders, the UCI could reduce the sport’s reliance on a few star athletes. This approach would ensure a steady pipeline of talent and help diversify the pool of competitive riders, making cyclocross less dependent on individual stars.
The Road Ahead: Striking a Balance Between Tradition and Growth
The debate surrounding Van Aert and Van der Poel’s absence highlights the challenges that cyclocross faces as it seeks to grow while preserving its unique identity. The UCI is at a crossroads: it can continue pushing for international expansion, or it can refocus on maintaining the sport’s roots and prioritizing the participation of top athletes.
Bart Wellens’ comments underscore a sentiment shared by many within the cyclocross community—namely, that the sport should prioritize its core values, including its distinct, gritty nature and close-knit fanbase. By finding a balance between growth and tradition, the UCI can create a future for cyclocross that honors its past while adapting to the demands of modern professional cycling.
Ultimately, the absence of Van Aert and Van der Poel serves as a wake-up call for the UCI to reevaluate its approach. If the governing body hopes to keep cyclocross vibrant and engaging, it must address the concerns of its athletes, fans, and stakeholders. The path forward will require compromise and a willingness to listen to the voices of those who know and love the sport best.
As cyclocross continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the passion for the sport, shared by fans, riders, and legends like Bart Wellens, remains as strong as ever. Whether it’s in the muddy fields of Belgium or on a new course in a distant country, the spirit of cyclocross endures, fueled by the dedication of those who believe in its future.
