Wout Van Aert has surprisingly announced his presence at the Cyclo-cross World Championships , scheduled for Sunday 2 February in Lievin, France.

The Belgian said he had a good winter, trained well and overcame the knee injury he suffered after his fall at the Vuelta.

The Team Visma rider seems to be the only one capable of keeping up with the reigning world champion Van der Poel , the big favourite to win the rainbow jersey, with 7 victories in as many races this cyclo-cross season.

Van Aert scored two wins in early January and finished 2nd in Maasmechelen, just behind Van der Poel.