Van der Poel confidently wins the first duel with Wout Van Aert

The first duel between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert finally arrived, but the Dutchman demonstrated superior brilliance. Technique and power, as if he were already in top shape. Van Aert could do nothing but follow the show as a spectator.

A direct duel between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert was expected but in the end it didn't happen: the two demonstrated that they had an edge over the others in the group with the Dutchman who, already in the early stages of race, he attacked after Van Aert put his foot on the ground in a technical section. Taking advantage of the small distance obtained in that stretch, the Alpecin Deceuninck cyclist decided to open the throttle and put his rival to the test. It was the end of the race. With apparent ease his lead gradually increased over Van Aert.

With Van der Poel consistently lapping faster than Van Aert, the race was written. It was the second victory in 2 races for Van der Poel, as in his first victory, showing overwhelming superiority. Van Aert, 2nd at the finish line, was the best among the losers. The difference between the two at the finish line was more than 1 minute.

EXACT CROSS MOL MALE RANKING

1	VAN DER POEL Mathieu	ALPECIN - DECEUNINCK	58:27
2	VAN AERT Wout		1:17
3	VANDEPUTTE Niels	ALPECIN - DECEUNINCK	2:12
4	HERMANS Quinten	ALPECIN - DECEUNINCK	2:16
5	VANDEBOSCH Toon	CRELAN – CORENDON	2:32
6	VERMEERSCH Gianni	ALPECIN - DECEUNINCK	4:55
7	FERDINANDE Anton	DESCHACHT - HENS - MAES	5:20
8	DE VET Sander		5:30
9	BELLENS Jarno		5:32
10	MEEUSEN Tom		5:33

EXACT CROSS MOL WOMEN'S RANKING

1	BRAND Lucinda	BALOISE TREK LIONS	42:59
2	VAN ANROOIJ Shirin	BALOISE TREK LIONS	0:21
3	VERDONSCHOT Laura	DE CEUSTER-BONACHE	0:28
4	SING Sanne	CRELAN – CORENDON	0:40
5	BACKSTEDT Zoe		1:43
6	BAKKER Manon	CRELAN – CORENDON	2:13
7	VAN ALPHEN Aniek	CYCLOCROSS REDS	3:06
8	TRUYEN Marthe		3:11
9	Brouwers Julie	CIRCUS-REUZ-TECHNORD	3:15
10	KAY Anna	CYCLOCROSS REDS	3:33