As it was the case with the juniors, the Belgian U23 riders dominated the European cyclocross championships. Wout van Aert won the race ahed of Laurens Sweeck.

A big battle between Belgians Michael Vanthourenhout and Wout van Aert was expected. At the midpoint, both of them joined the right group which consisted of five riders.

With them, they had Dutchman Stan Godrie and Frenchman Clement Venturini who were both among the outsiders. However, when van Aert and Vanthourenhout turned on the gas, the rest had to let them go.

Due to a crash, reigning champion Vanthourenthout got his race destroyed. His younger brother of Dieter had to retire while van Aert was flying.

Czech Jakub Skala seemed to be on his way to a silver medal but a strong Laurens Sweeck passed van Aert's former companions in the finale.

For van Aert who is the reigning U23 world champion, it is the third win in eight days. Last Saturday he beat Sven Nys in a chaotic finale in the Koppenbergcross. One day later he was the strongest U23 rider in Zonhoven. Without Maithieu ven der Poel who will ride tomorrow's Superprestige race, he missed an important opponent.

"The riders that are not here are wrong," van Aert told Sporza. "This jersey has great sporting value and I put the title high on my list. The European Championships may not be as prestigious as the Worlds but the sporting level is equally high. This jersey is very important for me. It was a shame that Mathieu was not here. It's a lon trip but that goes for everyone that also wants to start on Sunday in Ruddervoorde. I don't know whether I will be at the start tomorrow. I will make my decision on Sunday morning."

Result:

1. Wout van Aert (Bel) in 47'05"
2. Laurens Sweeck (Bel) - 6"
3. Jakub Skala (Cze) - 11"
4. Stan Godrie (Ned) - 15"
5. Toon Aerts (Bel) - 17"