The cyclo-cross race in the West Flemich city of Otegem is traditionally the revenge match after the Belgian championships. However, one day after his triumph in Lille Belgian champion Wout van Aert was missing. Instead the race was won by world champion and new Dutch champion Mathieu van der Poel. And that left the Belgians who wanted to take revenge with no chance: it became a Dutch one-man show.

Van Aert spoke to the press as brand new Belgian champion and then went to Spain where he will prepare himself for the Worlds witn an intensive training camp. However, Otegem still offered a nice field, including the new Dutch champion Mathieu van der Poel, Sven Nys and Laurens Sweeck.

However, it was Tim Merlier who got the best start in the slippery mud of Otegem. However, van der Poel still took command of the front in the first lap. Lap by lap, the young, impressive Dutchman increased his advantage. In the end he took the fifth win of the season, his first in Otegem.

Far behind, Michael Vanthourenhout rode almost the entire race in second place and was crowned West Flemish champion.

It was an exciting in the battle for third place. Nys initially got off to a disappointing start but mid race he found his legs and got back to Merlier, Kevin Pauwels and Klaas Vantornout. Merlier first made an attack but was countered by Pauwels. Pauwels was third more than a minute behind the winner. In the penultimate lap, Nys got away and managed to take fourth.

Result:

1. Mathieu van der Poel
2. Michael Vanthourenhout +34"
3. Kevin Pauwels +42"
4. Sven Nys +1'05"
5. Klaas Vantornout 
6. Tim Merlier 
7. David van der Poel 
8. Rob Peeters
9. Dieter Vanthourenhout
10. Jim Aernouts