Aerts calls himself a “neo-pro” and prepares to face Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel.
Cyclocross rider Toon Aerts is realistically looking ahead to his return to the top of cyclocross. With big names like Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel as challengers, he’s raising his ambitions. Aerts calls himself a “neo-pro” now that he’s making his comeback after a difficult period and is entering the competition with a fresh mindset.
The 30-year-old Belgian, who was one of the most stable cyclocross riders for years before his suspension, is returning after an absence of almost two years. While his rivals have achieved great success in his absence, Aerts is determined to rebuild his level step by step.
“I see myself as a neo-pro,” Aerts said in a recent interview. “After such a long time, it feels like I’m starting all over again. The sport has evolved, and so have riders like Wout and Mathieu. It’s unrealistic to think I’ll beat them right away, but I’m looking forward to testing myself against them.”
Against ‘those two rascals’
Aerts jokingly called van Aert and van der Poel “those two rascals” and acknowledged their dominance in the sport.
Van Aert and van der Poel have become icons in cyclocross, with multiple world titles and countless victories to their credit. Their rivalry has elevated not only cyclocross but also road racing to a higher level and attracted a wide audience.
Aerts, however, isn’t deterred by their reputation. He sees their presence as an opportunity to challenge himself and discover where he stands.
“I have a lot of respect for what they’ve achieved, but I don’t shy away from confrontation. For me, it’s about discovering where I stand and building on that,” says Aerts.
A long road back
Aerts’ return to cyclocross was anything but easy. In February 2022, he tested positive for Letrozole, a banned substance, which led to a two-year suspension. Aerts maintained his innocence and pointed to contaminated supplements as the cause, but the suspension remained in effect.
During his suspension, Aerts lost valuable years of his career, but he used this time to prepare himself physically and mentally for a comeback. He remained active in the cycling world by training young riders and staying fit himself.
“It was a tough time, both mentally and physically. But I learned a lot about myself and my perseverance. I’m coming back with a new perspective and a clean slate,” said Aerts.
Returning to cyclocross will be no easy task for Aerts, given the high level of competition. Besides van Aert and van der Poel, the field includes established names such as Eli Iserbyt, Laurens Sweeck, and Michael Vanthourenhout, who have already proven themselves as podium contenders.
Coxcross has evolved rapidly in recent years, with faster races, improved technology, and increasingly challenging courses. Aerts realizes he needs to adapt but remains optimistic about his chances.
“The sport has changed, that’s clear. But I’m ready to work hard. It will take time, but I believe I can become competitive again,” he said.
Support from the cycling community
Despite his suspension, Aerts has received a great deal of support from fans and fellow riders. Many praise his openness and determination to return to the highest level. His comeback is being closely followed by cycling fans, who hope to see him back in top form.
When asked about Aerts’ return, Van Aert expressed his appreciation:
“It’s fantastic to see Toon back. He’s always been a strong competitor and adds a lot to the field. I’m looking forward to racing against him again,” said Van Aert.
Van der Poel also showed respect for Aerts’ perseverance.
“Toon has always been a fighter. It’s not easy to come back after such a long break, but I have no doubt he’ll make his mark again,” said Van der Poel.
A New Beginning
For Aerts, this season isn’t about immediate results, but about laying a foundation for the future. He approaches each race with patience and a focus on gradual progress.
“I’m not setting unrealistic goals. My goal is to enjoy racing again and show that I can still perform at a high level. The victories will come naturally,” says Aerts.
With the cyclocross season in full swing, all eyes will be on Toon Aerts as he competes against Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel. While the victories may be