Lars van der Haar got his title defence in the cyclocross World Cup off to a perfect start when he took a dominant victory in the opening race in Valkenburg. The Ducthman had made his first peak of form for the home race and was pleased to repeat last year's victory in front of his own fans.

Lars van der Haar has raced to a compelling victory in the opening World Cup race of the cyclo-cross season in Valkenburg. Van der Haar won last year’s edition of the race and made it two from two in 2014 with an impressive solo win in front on home soil.

The twenty-three year-old Dutch cyclo-cross champion, racing for Development Team Giant-Shimano this season, moved clear from early in the race, moving ahead with Kevin Pauwels before Pauwels crashed leaving van der Haar alone out front with a long way to race still.

Van der Haar pushed on, setting his own tempo and used the advantage of being able to pick his own trajectory and line to extend his advantage out front to a minute before making sure that he got to the finish safely without making any mistakes late in the race. He eventually came across the finish line to strong applause 26 seconds ahead of Pauwels in second place.

With the victory van der Haar takes the lead in the World Cup, a series of races that he won in the 2013/14 season, and one that he is once again looking to perform well in this season.

“From the first lap it went perfect today,” explained van der Haar after the finish. “I came in front with Pauwels but then became alone, and I didn’t expect that. I pushed him too far and he made a mistake."

When referring to not taking a drink during the race, Lars said: “I didn’t take a drink as I knew I could manage the heat – I don’t think you need to do it for an hour. It turned out to be a good decision.

“I am happy with my demonstration today, it was a good race and this was my first peak of the season. I’m pleased to be the World Cup leader again and I hope to go on like this.”