Wout Van Aert has been the dominant figure in the cyclo-cross season but now Mathieu van der Poel looks like he is closing the gap. However, during the Christmas holidays, the 21-year old Belgian is not too focused on his diet. "It's holiday for everyone, eh," he says in Het Nieuwsblad.

Those who think that a top athlete is always thinking about his good, are not right when it comes to Van Aert. The Belgian spent Christmas Eve with his girlfriend Sarah. "Then I'm not the one who is going to say that there should be something else on the table. I eat what's served, I'm not going to skip a croquette because I have a racetwo days later. It is for everyone holiday, eh. For me it also has to be a quality evening. I only use only one rule: do not overdo it. If I really eat too much, it might affect my performance. Alcohol? No! Luckily, I'm not a wine drinker. "

Tonight there will again be a set table at the Van Aert famoly. However, the current leader in the Superprestige, World Cup and bpost bank Trofee series will ask his parents to take into account the fact that the World Cup race in Heusden-Zolder will be held tomorrow and that the Superprestige race in Diegem is scheduled for Sunday. 

"I ask my parents to prepare something special: pasta for example, for the carbohydrates. No, I do not work with a dietitian. I just follow the advice of my trainer (Marc Lamberts, ed.). After a successful weekend I can even serve myself some French fries. It is not good for the recovery, I know that. But mentally it can do you good."