One day after the World Cup race in Dendermonde, the riders lined up again for a fast contest in Loenhout. Van Aert has already won this race four times in the past. The Belgian rider from Team Visma | Lease a Bike was sharp from the start and immediately featured in a large leading group.  

In the third lap, Van Aert put in a powerful acceleration. Only Mathieu van der Poel was able to follow his pace. The pair quickly created a gap on the front, but halfway through the race Van Aert was struck by a puncture. He was soon caught by the chasers. In that group, Van Aert once again proved to be the strongest, but misfortune continued to follow him. Just as he forced another split, the three-time world champion suffered a second puncture. In the end, Van Aert finished outside the top ten.  

“I felt good and that’s why I decided to take the initiative early on. Mathieu and I were able to build up a lead quickly. He put me under pressure a few times, but I was determined to turn it into a duel today. In the end, the setbacks proved decisive. I punctured twice at very bad moments, far from the pit area. That’s disappointing, but the support from the fans along the course kept me motivated.”