After a fast start, Van Aert took the initiative. Going into the third round he created a gap to defending champion Laurens Sweeck. The leader of the World Cup classification quickly gathered twenty-five seconds on his pursuers and maintained his lead up to the finish line. Van Aert dedicated the victory to his wife Sarah and their son Georges who was born earlier this week.

“I went pretty deep for it. I did not want to say it before the race, but actually, I barely slept for six nights. I did not have the energy I wanted to have, but I am very happy with this title. I would like to dedicate this victory to my son Georges and my wife Sarah”, Van Aert said.

The Belgian title is Van Aert’s third victory of the cyclocross season.