Interview Wout Janssen

Already for months he's finishing close to the top 10. The top riders of cyclocross are all pros already, but Wout Janssen combines his cyclocross career with another profession. As podiatrist, he combines training & working, but he achieves already noticeable results in the highest profile races on the calendar. The 23-years old rider set a new step forwards and would like to do that too in 2026. In this interview Wout tells among others about which rider inspired him and how he experienced the sport so far.

You're already racing the whole season close to the top 10 in the big races. Do you feel that you have set a new step in your career?

Yes, sure, I have really set a big step forward this Winter. During the Summer season, things were already going very well, with a victory in Romée-Stavelot-Romsée. That was a confirmation from my shape and I took it with me into the Winter period.

How did you start in cyclocross?

I was part of an athletics club where Toon Aerts was a coach and I already liked to ride my bike. He recommended me to take part in a smaller cyclocross race in the Netherlands, in the local Brabantian competition.

Which steps would you take next in the sport?

I hope to be able to do this sport for a living. I'm working now 3/5 as a podiatrist and make the combition of training and working. So, I would like to be able to set everyting on cycling and set further steps in the right direction.

What are your favourite tracks?

Parcours with interval where you have to alternate between very deep efforts and recovery time after time. I'm doing very well in that. But I'm quite all round. 

Was your famous cyclocross namesake Wout van Aert an inspiration for you?

No, not really. It was rather my fellow villager, Toon Aert

What do you like to do in your free time?

I'm someone, when I have a rest day, that I also do quite little throughout that day 😅 but most of the times, I also work a bit on my bike.

What are your plans for 2026?

I'll try to stay consistent and set steps forward again.

What can we wish you for the coming year?

Than I can remain healthy and that the Summer season may go well.