From the first lap, Van Aert opened up a gap with Van der Poel on and around the Balenberg. The two ploughed through the mud and put pressure on each other. On the second lap, Van der Poel took off on the muddy and slippery course. Van Aert then had to give chase together with Pim Ronhaar. The Belgian from Team Visma | Lease a Bike fought for every metre to get closer but had to settle for second place.

"Mathieu was super strong today, and I suffered a lot”, Van Aert said. "I had a good start, and I really wanted to go for it. I owe it to myself to try when I get the chance. I might have been able to make things difficult for Mathieu in the early stages, but when he went, I couldn’t keep up."

"I could have hoped to be a bit more competitive”, Van Aert continued. "Unfortunately I didn't have a really good day. It will be a challenge to win another cross this season. But at the same time, I know what I'm doing, so I can't say it is a big disappointment. My main goals are later this spring."

Van Aert continues his cross season on Thursday with the Duinencross on the Belgian coast. "I always like to go to Koksijde. It's a nice course, and I've already won there a couple of times. I'm looking forward to it. I hope to be a bit better again."