In the lead from the first few meters, van Aert (27) dominated the race, pushing back Laurens Sweeck and Quinten Hermans, who completed the podium, to more than a minute.

This is his 8th victory in nine races since his return to school on December 5.

Already crowned in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020, van Aert still remains at a distance from the references Sven Nys (9 titles between 2000 and 2014) and Roland Liboton (10 titles between 1980 and 1989).

The Belgian, three times world champion in the discipline, announced that it was his last cyclo-cross of the season.

He gave up in advance to align himself with the Worlds scheduled for the end of January in the United States.

Ranking:

1. Wout van Aert (Jumbo) 58:11.

2. Laurens Sweeck at 1:16.

3. Quinten Hermans at 1:27.

4. Jens Adams at 1:34.

5. Gianni Vermeersch at 1:40.

© 2022 AFP