Last week Van Aert announced that the Belgian championship would be his final race of the cross season. The sky-high favourite got off to a flying start in Middelkerke. The competition was able to compete with the rider of Team Jumbo-Visma for one single lap. In the second lap, however, Van Aert increased the tempo. He quickly left the competition behind. The 27-year-old Belgian crossed the finish line with a lead of almost one minute and a half. It meant his ninth cross victory in ten races this season.

Shortly after his victory, Van Aert said he was delighted. “This fifth title means a lot to me. I started as the favourite, which is not easy. On paper, you can only lose. Today I tried to use it to my advantage and I think I did. The legs were good from the start. In the second lap I saw my chance to get away from the rest of the field. Then it was important to stay focused and not make any mistakes. I enjoyed the past few weeks and rode some nice cyclocross races. From tomorrow the focus will fully be on the road season. For now, I’m going to enjoy this title together with the team. I’m proud to retain the national jersey”, Van Aert concluded.

In Rucphen, The Netherlands, a strong Marianne Vos was alert from the start. She did not waste any time and showed her ambitions. The rider of Team Jumbo-Visma Women increased the tempo a few times and, at the second attempt, broke away from the entire field. The 34-year old rider finished the race fully focused and secured her seventh Dutch title.

“It went well today”, the new Dutch champion said. “The start was good and that is very nice on this fast track. I took a small lead fairly early and then tried to expand it. With Lucinda Brand right behind me, I knew I couldn’t stall. This is what I had hoped for. It is very nice that it worked out. A championship is always extraordinary. The way it went and the strong field of competitors make this title extra special.”