Van Aert had hoped for a better start but recovered immediately. Halfway through the race, an elite group of three, including Van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel, and Toon Aerts, were calling the shots. Shortly after, the rider of Team Jumbo-Visma decided to go for it.

Van Aert showed that he had absorbed his team’s training camp well and rode solo to the finish with the utmost concentration. As a result, the 27-year-old rider was able to win for the fourth time in his still young cyclocross season. The next challenge awaits the day after the cross in Dendermonde. Van Aert will start in Heusden-Zolder after Christmas.

“It was a bit of a search for me in the beginning”, Van Aert said afterward. “I was caught in a big group, and because of that, I lost my sight on the course. As the first lap went on, the situation improved, and I was able to anticipate the course of the race. I tried to put Van der Poel and Aerts under pressure early on, but the desired result did not materialise. Fortunately, the second attempt did pay off. The Christmas period is the best time to contest the various cyclo-cross races. I love the atmosphere that surrounds this sport, although it was a shame that the public was not allowed to be present today. I am happy with this victory, and I hope I can continue these results in the coming period. The next challenge will be tomorrow.”