Kevin Pauwels (Sunweb-Napoleon Games) had to settle for second place at the Druivencross in Overijse, clearly beaten by world champion Mathieu van der Poel. 

"Mathieu is the deserved winner," he told Het Nieuwsblad. "He was much stronger. Personally I did not feel good. I am currently not better than this."

Pauwels won in Ruddervoorde and Jaarmarktcross in Niel on November 11.

"Since then I have never had that super feeling in my legs," he said. "I am searching for the good condition a bit. My start was better than in other races, but it did not immediately go the way I wanted. Especially in the first laps I have to be better. I felt immediately when Mathieu came to me that he was stronger. He was playing with the legs. As he rode away, I had no response. I was still close, but did not get any closer. I was just not good enough to compete for victory. I hope that it will soon change."