"It's always great to be back in the cross”, Van Aert said in Antwerp. The Belgian champion immediately showed his enthusiasm. From the second row of the starting grid, Van Aert started riding at a high tempo and was the first to enter the field. The Team Jumbo-Visma rider decided to take his chances when eventual winner Mathieu van der Poel accelerated. "Mathieu's attack was what we had anticipated. You have to be at your best to keep up with him. I understood very quickly that his pace was too fast. Though it was nice to hold off the rest."

Van Aert had a good feeling about his comeback. "I surprised myself anyway. I didn't expect to be on the podium and be able to keep up with the high pace for an entire race. I could steer clear of mistakes by riding just below the limit. I am super satisfied", Van Aert said.