Del Grosso’s Victory Over Van Aert Signals a Cyclocross Power Shift
The landscape of elite cyclocross just tilted on its axis. At 22, Tibor Del Grosso isn’t just winning races – he’s redefining expectations, and his Superprestige victory over Wout van Aert in Heusden-Zolder isn’t a fluke. This win isn’t simply about a changing of the guard; it’s a harbinger of a new era where road-hardened, multi-disciplinary riders are poised to dominate the off-road scene, challenging the traditional cyclocross hierarchy.
From Road Stage Winner to ‘Cross Contender
Del Grosso’s rapid ascent is rooted in a diverse racing background. His 2025 season on the road with Alpecin-Deceuninck saw a stage win at the Tour of Türkiye, a youth classification victory at the Renewi Tour, and multiple podium finishes at the Volta a Catalunya. This isn’t the typical cyclocross specialist who dedicates their entire year to mud and barriers. He’s bringing a different skillset – tactical acumen, endurance honed on long road stages, and the sheer power developed through professional road racing – to a discipline historically dominated by riders focused solely on cyclocross. This dual-discipline approach is becoming increasingly common, and Del Grosso is leading the charge.
The Rise of the All-Rounder: A Cyclocross Trend
For years, cyclocross has been a proving ground for specialists. But the demands of modern professional cycling are pushing riders to become more versatile. Teams are increasingly seeking athletes who can excel across multiple disciplines, maximizing their return on investment. This trend is fueled by the desire to maintain fitness year-round and capitalize on a broader range of racing opportunities. Del Grosso’s success, alongside riders like Tom Pidcock, exemplifies this shift. Pidcock, also a prominent road racer, has already proven his cyclocross prowess with multiple World Championship titles. The question now is: how many more road professionals will successfully transition their skills to dominate the cyclocross circuit?
Tactical Nuance and the “Poker Face” Approach
Del Grosso’s post-race comments reveal a maturity beyond his years. His description of playing “poker” with Van Aert, recognizing the Belgian’s tendency to sprint earlier, demonstrates a tactical awareness often developed through road racing. This ability to read a competitor and exploit their weaknesses is a crucial advantage. As he noted, “The shorter the sprint, the better for me.” This isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about intelligent racing. The increasing sophistication of race tactics in cyclocross, influenced by road racing strategies, is raising the bar for all competitors.
The Alpecin-Deceuninck Factor: A Team Built for Versatility
Del Grosso’s team, Alpecin-Deceuninck, is strategically positioned to capitalize on this trend. Known for its focus on both road and cyclocross, the team provides its riders with the resources and support necessary to excel in both disciplines. The dynamic between Del Grosso and Van Aert, both riding for Alpecin-Deceuninck, adds another layer of intrigue. Del Grosso acknowledged the potential psychological impact on Van Aert, suggesting it might be “less fun” to battle a teammate. This internal competition could ultimately benefit the team, pushing both riders to perform at their best.
Looking Ahead: Will Cyclocross Become a Road Rider’s Playground?
The implications of Del Grosso’s victory extend beyond a single race. It signals a potential shift in the power dynamics of cyclocross. We can expect to see more road professionals dedicating time to cyclocross, attracted by the opportunity to maintain fitness during the off-season and potentially add another prestigious title to their palmarès. This influx of talent will undoubtedly raise the competitive level and force traditional cyclocross riders to adapt. The future of cyclocross may well be shaped by the riders who can seamlessly transition between the tarmac and the mud. Cyclingnews.com provides ongoing coverage of this evolving landscape.
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