Wout Van Aert and Sven Nys competed for second place in the World Cup race behind an untouchable Lars van der Haar. "He was just too strong today," van Aert said.

For Van Aert, the victory of Van der Haar ends an unbeaten run. After five victories the leader of Vastgoeddervice - Golden Palace was beaten for the first time this season. "But I'm not really frustated," said Van Aert who finished second at more than 20 seconds, in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad. "I'm glad I'm rid of all those annoying questions. I decided to have an all-or-nothing approach immediately from the first lap. I thought that was the best tactic. This course is not the best to ride in tenth position. But Lars could respond to my attack and when he took over, I had to catch my breath.

"I was not strong enough to counter Lars. He was in a class of his own. I'm glad I still did well in the second part. And it's also nice to be able to start in the leader's jersey in Koksijde."

"Subconsciously, the fact that I was unbeaten perhaps was a weight," Van Aert continued. "I'm not going to deny it. I can now looking forward to a quiet race. Today I missed heavy conditions. The racesthat follow suit me better. Until the European Championship (November 7) in the Netherlands, I will ride even triple weekends."