Toon Aerts (22) is the cyclo-cross rider of 2016. Insiders had already noticed at the very hard races in Namur and Spa-Francorchamps that the tall guy from from Rijkevorsel is more than the brother of Thijs who became junior world champion in Hoogerheide in 2014.

"I often hear that I got a contract with Telenet-Fidea because the sponsor especially wanted my brother who is in the second year as a U23 rider. I think I've proven that I am more than that and really deserved my place," said Toon Aerts who has studied bachelor of physical education in Turnhout.

Aerts was third in the GP Sven Nys on New Year's Day and yesterday he won the Soudal Classics race in Leuven.

"Leuven is the first TV race that I have won. At the Belgian Championahips, Jim Aernouts and I want to help our teammate Tom Meeusen to the title. In return for today (Meeusen was second in Leuven, ed.). My personal goal is a selection for the World Championships in Zolder, where I want to work as hard for all Belgians," he told Het Nieuwsblad.