Lars van der Haar was very strong on his favorite circuit at the World Cup race in Zolder, but a flat tire threw a spanner in the works. "That flat tire could not come at a worse time. I was really looking for a moment to get away and just as I wanted to, it happened."

“I felt super today. I was in good position and was able to counter the attacks by Mathieu [van der Poel]. We cooperated well and Kevin [Pauwels] returned later on, but wasn’t a big threat," he said in a press release.

“When I was planning to make my move in a last 1,5 lap, I punctured at a bad point in the race. At the long road section I lost the connection and after changing my bike I safely finished in third place.

“I am very satisfied about today, it was a super race. Unfortunately I was not rewarded with the win due to the puncture.

"I saw that Van der Poel passed me. I shouted 'Join him'. I gave as much lead as possible. With my flat tire, I could not win so it's better that he wins. If you can help each other so, you should occasionally still think about the national interest.

"Whether it was the dress rehearsal for the Worlds? No, no. In one month a lot can still happen but I do not think that it can be really muddy. Only snow and ice can change this circuit in a drastic way."