This weekend the cyclo-cross riders will be back on track after the canceled race in Koksijde."Mathieu stronger? I do not feel that one is better than the other at the moment," said world champion Wout van Aert.

With the World Cup race in Zeven (Germany) and the Flandriencross in Hamme, the cyclo-cross riders have a busy weekend.

"It was a bit annoying that we could not ride in Koksijde," Wout van Aert tells Sport.be. "But instead I have done some additional training."

"No, no trip of 207 kilometers (like Mathieu van der Poel did after the canceled race in Koksijde)," Van Aert laughs. "I do not think it makes you better."

The world champion has not won a race since the Koppenbergcross. “I have been second twice,”says Van Aert. "That's still a nice balance if you have a bad day."

In his last two races, Van Aert has had to admits van der Poel’s superiority. "Whether Mathieu is now stronger than me? I do not feel that one is now better than the other."

"Details will again make the difference this weekend and I do not think I have something to prove after Ruddervorrde and Gavere."

Mechanicals have thrown spanner in the works for Wout van Aert several times. "We are working on a solution to my chain problems.

"Honestly, I do not worry too much about it. It's all been blown up a bit. This makes sense when you are always in front but I'm certainly not the only one who has had chain problems this season.”