Sunday is the day when Mathieu van der Poel will make his cyclo-cross comeback in the sand of Koksijde. "If I can win against Mathieu, I am really the best," said Wout van Aert in Het Laatste Nieuws.

Yesterday Wout van Aert returned to his winning ways in Gavere. The Belgian talent has won nine of twelve races this season.

Should Van Aert already consider Mathieu van der Poel who will make his comeback in Kosijde after three months of injury woes, as a big rival?

"I know Mathieu and he will immediately be at a good level," Van Aert said in Het Laatste Nieuws. "I have read that he is in Spain and is training well there.

"It is good that Mathieu will soon be there again. I have no doubt that he will immediately play a significant role. Mathieu always want to show you something.

"Everyone is looking forward to his return, also me. I like to race against him. People like our duels. Now people often ask: 'What if Mathieu had been there?' if I will be able to win against Mathieu, the I am really the best."

Van Aert also commented on his three biggest rivals in the first part of the season.

About Sven Nys: "He is still waiting for a win, but for a 39-year-old rider, Nys is still a high level. I think he's happy about it.
About Lars van der Haar: "He wins the races that he targets, like the European Championships."
About Kevin Pauwels: "He is doing well."