Mathieu van der Poel became Dutch cyclo-cross champion yesterday, but that did not stop the world champion in today's race in Otegem Van der Poel delivered a true demonstrauon to claim his fifth win of the season.

"I go home with a feeling of satisfaction. If you can ride solo for an hour to claim the win, it gives confidence. I had showed that I was motivated for this race. Maybe it is due to the fact that I've been injured for so long and had to miss so many races. I wanted to do something here. Of course the Worlds in three weeks is my big goal. It will not be easy to win , but I will do everything to be in the mix," he told Het Nieuwsblad.

Unlike some rivals, Van der Poel gave it everything in Otegem. "For me, this was more than a workout. During a race, you always go a little deeper. I had asked myself to ride one hour at a fast pace which you always do in a race. Michael Vanthournhout forced me to do so. Last week I trained in Spain and yesterday I won the Dutch title. Now I'm going to give myself a good rest."

Michael Vanthournhout (2nd)

Michael Vanthourenhout was the "best of the rest" in Otegem. He finished second and so captured the West Flemish title. "But I was really not thinking about that. But it's fun to be the best in you own province. However, I was not really in the mix for the victory. The second place behind Mathieu was the best possible result. My condition is getting better. That gives me pleasure. Now there are two more World Cups. They are important for me to get a spot in the Worlds team even though I think I proved here have that I deserve it. If I am allowed to go to the Worlds, I want to show that I can keep up with the best," he told Het Niewsblad.

Kevin Pauwels (3rd)

"Last year I did well here but today Mathieu was too strong. Third place was the best possible result. I had back pain in the opening laps. I don't know why. I was close to Michael, but I especially wanted to keep Nys behind me," he told Play Sports.

Sven Nys (4th)

"Kevin Pauwels was too far ahead. In the first laps I did not get back into my rhythm. In the end, I did well. I am not on the podium but I am very satisfied with my race. We rode at a high level here," he told Play Sports.