Wout van Aert has returned to his winning ways in the Kastelcross in Zonnebeke. The 20-year-old who has just announced that he will ride the World Championships against the pros, made a one-man show. Belgian champion Klaas Vantornout was second while Sven Nys was fifth.

Wout van Aert already hit the gas in the second lap. The rider who is second in the world rankings, immediately got a gap and gradually extended his lead to more than a minute.

Behind van Aert, teammates Klaas Vantornout and Tim Merlier had joined forces with Sven Nys and Rob Peeters. For a long time, they stayed together until Vantornout upped the pace in the final lap. He was rewarded with scond place.

Merlier beat Peeters in the sprint for third while Nys who was the defending champion, had to settle for fifth.

Kevin Pauwels and Tom Meeusen who are first and third in the World Rankings respectively, were not at the start in Zonnebeke.

Result:

1. Wout van Aert 1.05.01

2. Klaas Vantornout +1.20

3. Tim Merlier +1.25

4. Rob Peeters 

5. Sven Nys +1.32

6. Gianni Vermeersch +2.16

7. Joeri Adams +2.30

8. Jens Adams +2.47

9. Yannick Peeters +3.08

10. Kenneth van Compernolle +3.50